OCTober 2012

Singapore's 1st Poly

SP DRAGONBOAT: POWER ROWERS ✚ Made in SP: The fastest solar car in Asia ✚ A bountiful scholarship harvest ✚ Heart to serve: SP SIFE, Go Serve and the humanitarian mission ✚ Overseas in Korea, Taiwan and Sarawak. DIPLOMA IN ENGINEERING SYSTEMS

Brand New Course for 2013

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY 8ENGINEERING SYSTEMS 1 ONE AND ONLY 4 CONCEIVE-DESIGN- 7 UNIVERSITY A unique combination of ENGINEERING, IMPLEMENT-OPERATE (CDIO) You can pursue a degree MANAGEMENT and SOCIAL SCIENCES – CDIO learning, developed by programme (engineering or the key ingredients for the future. the Massachusetts Institute of other disciplines) after this Technology (MIT) and adopted by course in local and overseas 2 A SYSTEM POINT OF VIEW Ivy League institutions worldwide, universities. If you do very is applied to this course. well, you could earn a Rev you up to think and see issues university scholarship too! from a system point of view. 5 INDUSTRY ENDORSEMENT 8 WORLD-READY 3 STUDIO-BASED LEARNING Renowned companies such as IBM, Siemens, SMRT and ST Kinetics have When you graduate, you will Learning is conducted through active given their strong support for this understand the real-world engagement of students in a specialised course. You’ll get opportunities to be systems in their social, ethical studio setting. Studio learning will attached to these companies either and environmental contexts and enable you to: locally or overseas during the ready to tackle system-level • Learn in teams five-month internship or capstone problems using technical and • Master the fundamental knowledge project in the final year. management skills. through sharing and inquiring • Develop problem-solving skills and analytical thinking 6 SCHOLARSHIPS Scan this QR code for more information • Apply the knowledge to the real world Outstanding ‘O’ level graduates applications enrolled in this new course can apply for scholarships offered by The curriculum is developed in SP or external organisations. collaboration with Olin College of Engineering, USA.

Follow SP on: facebook.com/singaporepolytechnic twitter.com/singaporepoly SCHOOL OF SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL & youtube.com/singaporepolytechnic ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING content highlights Celebrating Hi , 04 & 08. We have a special double cover for this issue, featuring the SP Dragonboat and Cheerleading teams. Besides being the champions in local competitions, the two teams have also proven their mettle overseas and brought back glory for SP. Cover Stories The cover photos brings to my mind two Chinese idioms: 力争上游 (li zheng shang you) and 顶天立地 (ding tian li di). No pain no gain. Story behind the Idioms are just a few words used to express a bigger idea. Literally, 力争上游 means swimming ahead with might. This success of SP Dragonboat and aptly describes the SP Dragonboat team which rowed furiously in the waters to win the championship title at the POL- Cheerleading teams. ITE Games and also in a Hong Kong tournament. On the other hand, 顶天立地, whose literal meaning is supporting both heaven and earth, fits perfectly into Gusto!, our Cheerleading team. They came in tops at the National Cheerleading Competition and some of them went on to Japan to represent Singapore at an international meet.

Essentially, both idioms have the similar meaning – the indomitable and mighty spirit in a person or a team. Flipping through the pages of this issue, you will find stories of SP students and alumni who live up to the spirit of these two idioms.

Our engineering students put together a solar car that sped to first position at an Asian eco-marathon race. At several infocomm technology competitions, the I.T students brought back glory. The design students scored a gold medal at the Crowbar Awards. Business students put up impressive proposals and plans than won them the right to compete on the international arena. Our alumni continue to hold the torch for SP. Former student and national sprinter Gary Yeo ran a personal best at the Olympic Games in London. Tanya Chua, who was from the Diploma in Business Administration, became the only artiste to win the Best Female Singer award three times at the Golden Melody Awards, the Chinese equivalent of the Grammys.

We have so many students and graduates clinching scholarships from various organisations. We gave out SP scholarships to 80 outstanding students this year. Our students took the lion’s share in the Integrated Infocomm Scholarship (15 out of 40), the Building and Construction Authority Scholarship (32 out of 45), and the LKY-STEP Awards (8 out of 15). At the university level, 15 recent graduates clinched the inaugural Singapore-Industry Scholarship that will lead them to future employment with renowned employers like Boustead, Charles and Keith and Singapore Technologies. For the first time, SP Scholars two female aerospace electronics graduates won the SAF Academic Scholarship to pursue a four-year direct Masters in 12. Engineering programme in Avionics at the University of York in United Kingdom. You will read more of these success Your course mate could be the new stories in this and the next issue. SP Scholar. Happy reading!

22. Tan Hang Cheong Principal, Singapore Polytechnic Solar Power Building Asia’s fastest solar car.

The SPirit Team Advisor: Yvonne Chan Editor-in-Chief: Andy Kwan Assistant Editors: Candice Yam, Benjamin Moey Coming Soon Save A new skyline from Dover Road. Student and Alumni Contributors: Editorial: Nicholas Lam; Photography: Lee Hong Ray, Sam Chin, Lee Jian Wei 38. SPirit is a quarterly publication published by the Department of Corporate Communications, Singapore Polytechnic. The World All rights reserved. No information herein should be reproduced without the permission of Singapore Polytechnic. 28. All information correct at time of printing. Next Stop: Start Now A young woman’s conviction to SP alumnus wins multiple funding for social For editorial or advertising enquiries, please email [email protected] or call 6772-1742. 44. save the earth. enterprise venture. Magazine designed by Sirius Art Advertising Pte Ltd. A Subsidiary of Bvleon Investment Group

03 NEWSFLASH! SP Dragonboat (Men) clinched the championship in the Tertiary (Men), Open (Men) and the Power Premier (Mixed Team) at the SAVA Games Rowers 2012.

team spirit. If all of us can’t agree on a Otherwise, the regular routine is three ses- If you think the punishing schedule for common goal, there is no way that we sions of land and one session of sea train- SPDB guys will affect their studies, think could achieve success. We have condi- ing every week. Land training is divided again. Daryl is proud to announce that tioned ourselves to be very focussed on into strength and endurance sessions. most of the members have consistently our goals,” says the 19-year-old. Endurance consists of running up to 3km, good GPA scores. “It all goes back to train- 20 minutes of pull-ups and weightlifting ing again. We train and study in a very dis- Vice-captain Ling Hsih Hwa, 20, from the in five stations. Strength training is similar ciplined manner. We don’t procrastinate,” Diploma in Electrical and Electronic except that the focus turns to building up, reveals Daryl who, like many of the senior Engineering (DEEE) who joined SP from well, strength in core muscle areas. On members, plans to advance his studies in Commonwealth Secondary School, adds: Wednesdays and weekends, they are at the universities after his national service. “Even outside of training, we would Kallang Basin for sea training, usually for Baring no distractions, they are keen to hang out together to eat, study and play. about two hours including warm ups. continue paddling for the university they We might have missed out on the other are in. “This means we might be competi- fun things that others do but there’s When a competition is round the corner, tors in the future,” laughs Daryl. no regret. We can indulge in what we training takes place daily except on Friday missed out after we graduate from SP. for about two months. It starts in the For now, they are savouring every moment It’s only three years, so why not make morning for an hour from 6.30am and of camaraderie soaked in their blood. the best out of it?” resumes in the evening for another hour. The Medals Both Daryl and Hsih Hwa joined SPDB Daryl admits that the toughest part about ★ 1st in 800m (Men) at POL-ITE when they were in their first year. dragonboating is keeping the commitment Games 2011 & 2012. Hsih Hwa, who has put on pounds to training frequency. “To be present for ★ 1st in 800m (Mixed) at POL-ITE The best Dragonboat Team among of muscles ever since he became a every single session is already not an easy the polytechnics two years in a row Games 2012. dragonboater, joined the sport because feat for normal people. Therefore, we con- and champion in Hong Kong too! ★ 2nd in 800m (Women) in POL-ITE he was influenced by his brother who ditioned ourselves to be committed and Games 2012. was a dragonboater. sacrifice our social lives. We try not to Row, row, row your boat. ★ 1st in Under 23 200m (Men) in kick people out and will try very hard to 8th Club Crew World For Daryl, he was almost a reluctant help everyone up to level.” No one under- Slowly but steadily, these boys graduate to almighty World Championship 2012 member. He leaned more towards track stands this better than Daryl because, as ★ 2nd in Under 23 500m and 2,000m (Men) dragonboaters that are now the best among the and field, as he was a sprinter when in he lets on, he was quite behind in training in 8th Club Crew World Championship 2012. secondary school. He was persuaded into during his first year: “In polytechnics and ITEs. This year, they even powered the sport by course mate Dominic Tan, the end, I couldn’t bear themselves to victory at an international meet. who joined SPDB first. He had heard that to leave them because I the training was tough and both wanted to will think about the train- speaks with the SP Dragonboat boys and girls to see if they were fit enough to pull through. ing, I think of the team.” Soon, he was hooked into it and even find out what motivates them to perform. displayed leadership ability that saw him The members that go for rise to the rank of captain in his third year. competition are seniors Every Sunday morning, a team of tanned Besides the water training on Sundays, crowned a regional champion. Not too long Dominic became the team’s treasurer. from the same year. They SP hunks could be spotted flexing their they are put through weekly land training ago, the boys rowed in first at the 8th Club have been together since arm muscles at Kallang Basin. After some that comprises endurance exercises Crew World Championships held in Hong Both Daryl and Hsih Hwa plan to study first year and have built up warming up exercises, they would climb like running, weight lifting and chin-ups. Kong for the 200m event. They competed either business or engineering after their a solid team spirit. They into a boat and row up and down the wa- When a competition draws near, both in the 18-23 Racing Class open division, national service. With just one more consider the POL-ITE ters towards Marina Barrage and back. water and land training become almost a against formidable teams who are older semester to go before they graduate, Games as more pres- daily routine. and more experienced. and two key competitions lined up, they, surising because it is “the This is the Singapore Polytechnic (Dragon- together with the rest of the graduating race” in dragonboat calen- boat (SPDB) team in action. Under the hot Hard work and perseverance during these Team captain Daryl Ng, from the senior team members, are all geared up to dar, even though the Hong sun, the training routine could be a mental gruelling training sessions have paid off Diploma in Engineering with Business do their best and create for themselves a Kong tournament is more and physical torture. However, with the handsomely for them. Besides being the (DEB) and a former student of Temasek legacy in SP. competitive. The next im- SP Dragonboat captain Daryl Ng team’s motto, One Stroke One Heart, not a reigning champion two years in a row at Secondary, credits success to the collec- portant race for this year (right) and Vice-captain Ling Hsih Hwa. single complaint is uttered. They are doing the POL-ITE Games, an annual competition tive sacrifices each member has made. Training can go up to six times a week is the SAVA Games taking if they are preparing for a competition. it as one united body. for the polytechnics and ITE, they are also “Dragonboat depends very much on place this month. 05 from small dragon boats with 10 paddlers up to the traditional boats which have upwards NEWSFLASH! girl of 50 paddlers, plus drummer and coxswain. SP Dragonboat (Women) clinched the championship in The pulsation of the drum beats produced the Tertiary (Women), Premier by the drummer is considered the heartbeat (Mixed Team) and 1st Runner of the dragonboat. He leads the paddlers Up Open (Women) throughout a race using the rhythmic drum at the SAVA Games Power beat to indicate the frequency and synchro- 2012. nicity of all the paddlers’ strokes. Com- mands are given through a combination of hand signals and voice calls. The coxswain navigates and steers the dragonboat with a sweep oar rigged at the rear of the boat.

Although it was not a gold medal, it certainly The paddlers sit facing forwards and use a justifies a big celebration when the SP specific type of paddle. The leading pair of Dragonboat women’s team clinched a silver paddlers, called “pacers,” “strokes” or “tim- at the POLI-ITE Games this year. A win has ers,” set the pace for the team. It is critical been eluding them for as long as the team The Discipline History of that all paddlers are synchronised. Each pad- was around. Master Dragonboat dler should synchronise with the stroke or John Goh has been the coach for SP’s men’s Dragonboat is a human-powered water- pacer on the opposite side of the boat. Like the men’s team, Team Captain Tan dragonboat team for about four years and craft traditionally made of wood in various Hui Yim from the Diploma in Optometry only started with the girls’ team this year. In designs and sizes. It has its roots as part of The Singapore Dragonboat Association (DOPT) credits the win to the feisty team no uncertain terms, he played a significant religious ceremonies and folk customs in (DBA) is the national body that organises, spirit that spurred them to give their best. role in leading the men’s team to win the Southern China but has emerged in modern promotes and co-ordinates all dragon boat However, the team insisted that without POL-ITE Games championship two years in a times as an international sport, beginning activities here. At the international level, the guidance from their coach, John Goh, row (2011 and 2012). Not only that, the team in Hong Kong in 1976. Dragonboat races dragonboat racing is organised by the Inter- it might not have been possible. John took also won three medals, including a Gold, at are traditionally held as part of the annual national Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). It over the coaching of the 23-strong women’s the 8th Club Crew World Championships, an Duanwu (or Dumpling) Festival, which is recognises two types of dragonboat racing, team only this year. international meet held in Hong Kong where celebrated in many Asian countries such as namely sport racing and festival racing, they competed with stronger and more and Singapore, Malaysia, Hongkong and Taiwan. which are the more traditional and informal “Coach John has a very strong presence. experienced teams such as Canada. types of races. He not only guides us in dragonboat matters The SP Dragonboat women’s team. Team captain Tan Hui Yim is standing in the middle, back row. The standard crew complement of a con- but also life issues. He counsels us when A former national canoeist and dragonboater, temporary dragon boat is typically 22, com- Sport racing distances are normally over there are discipline problems and I learn a “That’s why team bonding is very important. SP women’s dragonboat team. John has nothing but praises for his charges. prising 20 paddlers in pairs facing toward the 200m (or 250m), 500m, 1,000m and lot from him in managing the team,” says When we recruit, we don’t sell dragonboat “The boys are very committed. They trained bow of the boat, one drummer at the bow 2,000m. A festival race is typically a sprint Hui Yim. To the team, John is almost like but the teamwork, team spirit and team The team is also thankful for the strong and pushed themselves very hard to win facing the paddlers, and one coxswain at the event of several hundred metres, with 500 another father. “He is always there during bonding. Our spirit is “All for one and one support and encouragement from the men’s the POL-ITE championships. The team has rear of the boat. Dragonboats vary in length metres being a standard distance in many our most difficult hard days to encourage for all!” declares Hui Yim, a water sports team whom they regard as brothers. With good sportsmanship; I consider them a and the crew size will change accordingly, international festival races. lover who was in the canoeing team during and motivate us. He not only trains how to both teams seeing each other so frequently, dream team. One advantage they have is her days with Damai Secondary School. row well but also teaches us personal skills it’s not unexpected that love blossoms. that a big team of rowers are from the same like self-discipline and how to develop a There’s already a dating couple among year. Generally, a team will do pretty well if Coming up next for the girls is the IVP Games strong mentality.” them. they are from the same batch of training, as where they will compete not just with the poly they progressed from year to year together, and ITE teams but the stronger ones from the Recruiting members is an uphill task, she If you wonder how guys look at female therefore maintain the same exacting stand- universities as well. Their goal for 2013 is to admits. “We are often portrayed as tanned dragonboaters, Hui Yim offers this answer: ards,” says John. and muscular. Most girls don’t want to join retain a medal and bring up the name for the “I know there are also guys who think we dragonboat as they are worried of being are not feminine… The girls’ team came in second at the POL- under the sun for long hours. haha…I think it all ITE Games, a major achievement consider- Therefore, it will be hard to persuade the depends on the ing that they had never won a single medal very feminine type who hates the sun to individual’s taste. in the past. So grateful are they to John that join us. Those who are with the team have There are definitely they nicknamed him “Papa”. “Luckily for the a genuine interest for dragonboat and their guys who think we are girls, they have a team of ten from the same personality suits that of a dragonboater,” tanned and muscular year, so that was an advantage,” says John. says Hui Yim. After getting them on board, but there are also retaining members can be a tough job those who think we are The affable coach, who is stern-faced at too. Hui Yim shares that when trainings hot!” she quips. “But training, stresses that team commitment get tough, some of them will leave the if the guys look into is key to a success. “If they are able to team. Like the boys, training sessions are our personalities, they commit, then they can go through strength conducted three to four times a week and will realise that we are and endurance training. Such team commit- alternate with land and sea training and the different from the other ment will be useful even when they go on to frequency increases when a competitions girls out there!” university or start work; it’s a value that will 07 looms near. work well for them.” The Rough Reality The Gusto! Stamina Pop culture, movies and modern media in general have portrayed If that is not enough, these crazy but fun-loving folks have to do the cheerleaders as a group of smiling, happy people (mostly girls, same routine for extended periods of time, all the while keeping a of course) who would do seemingly simple stunts and tricks, smile firmly planted on their face. They act as if their arms are not and wow the crowd with uncanny ease. However, the hardships burning, their legs are not wobbly even though they are perspiring during training and even dangers that these cheerleaders have crazily even with the setting sun. Top-form physical condition is a to endure are often unreported. To get an idea, cheerleaders are must before executing difficult stunts. Strength is an advantage but as active as any sportsmen. Yes, this means they are not just more important is the proper use of it. No pain, pretty faces or handsome hunks. They endure the same amount of rigorous training as you would expect a sprinter, swimmer What Goes Up Must Come Down or mixed martial arts fighter; from physical conditioning to the Is cheerleading a dangerous sport? Put it this way – every sport has its dangers of twisted ankles, torn ligaments and bruises. own dangers. But there are always safety precautions to minimise or prevent possible dangers. Strained muscles are common occurrences. no gain The Strength Of Gusto! A little bruise here and there is proof that they attended trainings. The The captain (President) of Gusto!, final-year student Loh Ming Yao, reveals the team’s routine - training sessions are held every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and sometimes even Saturday. They would start with the basics - physical conditioning. To get an idea of how strong an average cheerleader is, you take into account that each girl weighs at least 40kg, and that is already on the lighter end of the scale. Otherwise, it is closer to 50kg. This simply means someone, usually from the guys, has to support that weight for a certain amount of time. The guys usually get to toss the girls, called ‘flyers’, up to complete a stunt. Then, others will form a base, called a ‘basket’, to catch a falling 40kg girl! The Guts In Gusto! Gusto! members are the brave ones. Imagine being the flyer. Her squad mate tosses her up in the air, and she has to rely on him and her own skills to land on top of a pyramid. Scary? How about being part of the basket? The flyer needs to land into stretched- out arms to get down safely. The responsibility itself of those forming the basket is crippling. There has to be 100 per cent trust in each other. The girls start from low heights, gradually gaining more confidence to be tossed into higher levels.

writer Nicholas Lam checks out the raw truths behind the smiles and the reality of sweat, bruises and sacrifices of Gusto!, SP’s Cheerleading team.

SP Gusto! Winner of the Singapore National Cheerleading Championship 2011 and 2012. Some of them are also members Cheerleading Is ….. of Team Lions, the national cheerleading squad that won three medals, including a first for Group Stunts, at the Cheerleading Think cheerleading and the image of dory and always arms-stretched to catch Asia International Open Championship. beautiful girls with pom-poms and Colgate the falling girls. The choreography seems smiles comes to mind. They dazzle the amazing. It also seems all too easy, carefree crowd and cheer on their team. They will and even fun to be a cheerleader. But the flip, drop and practically fly in all directions reality couldn’t be more wrong. Gusto!, SP’s to wow the crowd. The guys are all hunky- Cheerleading Team, tells you why. 09 show has to go on, especially when all eyes are on them to keep the athletic events. During the 1880s, students at Princeton championship title won in 2011. And they did - at the Singapore National Meet The President University formed an all-male student “pep club” to lead Cheerleading Championship 2012. Cheerleading was not even his first choice of CCA but he “cheers” (unified chants and yells) in order to provide ended up becoming its captain (President). Loh Ming Yao, a support to their team, as well as create a high energy The Extra Mile final-year student from the Diploma in Aerospace Electronics sport environment. Like all true sportsmen and women, cheerleaders will go the extra (DASE) reveals that he did not want to join Gusto! at first. mile to improve their performances - to be faster, smoother, and more A friend nudged him to go for the training and he went after History Although women participated as cheerleaders in various precise. The satisfaction of perfectly nailing a stunt or pulling off a a few rounds of persuasion. The former Nan Hua Secondary of parts of the USA, it wasn’t until the 1940s that women difficult routine is enough for them to go against the hardship and (High) School student liked what he saw and got hooked. became the majority of cheerleading’s athletes during an persevere through the pain, fears and exhaustion. They work together era when the university men students left the country to as a single unit and have created strong bonds of trust between As leader of the top polytechnic team in cheerleading, fight in World War II. Today, women comprise of more themselves. They train together, work together and play together. he shoulders a heavy burden. “I have to lead and than 90% of the world’s cheerleaders. Outside of training, they are like your normal group of everyday friends. motivate the team. This is very much a team sport; if I Cheerleading They watch movies, stuff their faces at buffets, chill out and gossip. can’t motivate, that’s it.” says Ming Yao. He took over The 1920s saw cheerleaders adding enhanced the previous President, Sen Poh Kang, who techniques and skills to improve their ability to lead has graduated and now in national service. and energise the crowd at games, witnessing the “He has set very high standards and I have to addition of various athletic skills, some tumbling, fight maintain it. My target for the team is to win the song team dances with arm movements and acrobatics championship again next year,” he adds. to their routines.

Gusto! is now almost 70-member strong. When In 1961, the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) he first joined three years back, it had only around was formed in the USA and hundreds of thousands 30 members. He believes the limelight given of cheerleaders were trained. During the 1900s, to Gusto after winning the POL-ITE Games last cheerleading could be found in virtually every high school year and the frequent performances at SP events and grade school across the USA. In 1974, the Universal helped to boost up the numbers. They are a Cheerleaders Association (UCA) was formed and this Pulling, stretching closely-knitted bunch, especially those from the marked the beginning of modern day cheerleading. and tossing - the basics in same year. “The fun part of cheerleading is ex- Cheerleading specific skills such as partner stunts cheerleading ecuting the stunts in front of an appreciative audi- and pyramids were introduced to make cheerleading training. ence. It feels so good after having gone through more entertaining. The following year, UCA combined months of hard training.” cheerleading skills with music. This marked the birth of the cheerleading routine. His message to those who want a part of the action: “Cheerleading is a fun sport; it’s good for bonding. We are In 1982, UCA hosted the 1st Cheerleading National not out to kill our competitors,” says the 19-year-old brawn- Championship which was shown on ESPN. Five and-brain chap who has amassed an almost perfect GPA years later, the American Association of Cheerleading score to date. After SP, he plans to study engineering in the Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) was formed university and hopes to become a pilot in the future. to teach, as well as safe-test cheerleading coaches around the world. In 1988, UCA introduced This month, 20 cheerleading to Japan. Gusto members will be in Taiwan to Cheerleading is a physical activity and Today, cheerleading is seen not just at sports events but train with Mon- sometimes a competitive sport. It is based also at other activities such as New Year celebrations. In sters, the number on organised routines, usually ranging from 1996, cheerleading was a highlight at the 1996 Summer 1 team there. SPirit Olympic Games held in Atlanta, USA. will bring you a one to three minutes, which contain the report of the trip in movements of tumbling, dancing, jumping, In 2009, the non-profit United States All Star the next issue. Federation (USASF) and the International All Star cheering and stunting to an audience Federation (IASF) were formed to support International to cheer on sports teams at games or to Club Cheerleading and the World Cheerleading Club The Glory Beyond Singapore Championships. The following year, the USASF/IASF Cheerleading has become a competitive sport worldwide, especially Update: The new President participate in competitions. The participant hosted the 1st World Cheerleading Championships at during the past two decades. Gusto! has numerous awards under its belt. for Gusto! is Terence Yew, involved is called a cheerleader. the Walt Disney World Resort. They were the champions in 2011 and 2012 at the National Cheerleading second-year student from Championship organised by the Singapore Sports Council. Members from the Diploma in Banking Cheerleading originated in the United States. The growing presentation In 2007, the IASF formed the International Cheer the various tertiary teams in 2012 were grouped together to form Team and Financial Services. of cheerleading as a sport to a global audience has been led by the 1982 Union (ICU) to enhance efforts in supporting world Lions. They were tossed to Japan for the Cheerleading Asian Invitational New Captain for the broadcast of cheerleading competition by the ESPN channel in the United championships for national teams, world recognition Open 2012, with Gusto!’s Captain, (Sen Poh Kang who graduated this team is Kenneth Huang, States. The worldwide release of the 2000 film Bring it On popularised it efforts by international sports authorities, and to year), selected to lead the national squad. They returned with three medals second-year student from further. There are now an estimated 100,000 cheerleaders around the rest support the safe development of cheerleading around from the Land of the Rising Sun. the Diploma in Event and of the world in countries including Australia, Canada, China, Finland, France, the world. ICU has since grown from 19 to 35 member Project Management. Japan, New Zealand and of course, Singapore. federations. By 2009, the number ballooned to 76 Source: Wikipedia Gusto! has earned a reputation for itself for their stunt-work among the member federations. Singaporean cheerleading circuit. Invitations pour in frequently to perform, The birth of cheerleading is closely tied to the history of sports in the United such as the recent show at Gardens By The Bay on National Day. States (i.e. American Football, Basketball and even Rugby), its sporting venues, as well as the historical development of overall crowd participation at many 11 Scholarly Performance

Freshly Minted SP Scholars

One of the highest honours that an SP student can claim is being A percentage of the SP Scholarship is subsidy of $1,000 to buy that coveted with our key government leaders. named an SP Scholar. Each year, an outstanding group of students also awarded to outstanding graduates laptop. Best of all, they get to attend from the Institute of Technical Education special programmes organised under A much coveted programme that is special will be awarded the SP Scholarship and the SP Engineering (ITE) who had joined SP. In addition, the SP Outstanding Talent (SPOT) to SPOT, and SP, is the United Nations Scholarship. The qualifying criteria include excellent grades for another group of students are awarded scheme. The SP Sports Scholars and SP Conference held at either Harvard or the SP Sports Scholarship and the SP Music and Arts Scholars will receive an Princeton universities in the United States. their GCE ‘O’ level results and CCA records, strong leadership Music and Arts Scholarship for their annual sponsorship of $2,000. At the conference, which is attended by potential and exemplary character. They also have to prove their significant achievements in sports, undergraduates from all over the world, mettle at the test and interview rounds. music or arts. SPOT is a talent development and participants will undertake the role of a enrichment programme designed to government leader of a country to debate This year, 65 of the 80 scholars are freshmen, while another Membership has its privileges. The SP groom our students into well-rounded on relevant issues. 15 second-year students who have proven themselves during their Scholars and SP Engineering Scholars leaders. Besides taking up a customised will receive a bond-free sponsorship of module on current affairs, they will also All of these programmes will sharpen first year made the grade too. $2,500 per year. To earn a renewal, they work on social innovation projects and their skills in critical thinking, public have to maintain good academic and participate in high-key events such as the speaking, decision-making and CCA records. There’s also a one-time annual Poly Forum and dialogue sessions presentation.

13 Scholarly Performance

At the SP Scholarship Award Ceremony, Jessica Lee, a fresh graduate from the Diploma in Accountancy (DAC) and former SP scholar, delivered an encouraging speech to the new batch. She is now pursuing her degree in Accountancy at the Nanyang Technological University under the Nanyang Scholarship.

“It is indeed my privilege to be able to join you at Archery Club, of which I was the President My advice to all of you - if you ever this joyous occasion. Let me congratulate all our and Treasurer respectively. I have to admit feel that you cannot go on further, take scholars on receiving the various SP scholarships. that it was rather demanding to maintain a break but don’t give up. Go get a With these awards, you are about to walk the path my grades while I juggled between my breather to refresh and recharge. Always of countless opportunities that will help you unlock responsibilities in the CCAs. A particularly remember that when there is a will, your true potential. stressful period I had was when I started there is a way – stay strong. joining competitions as well as an overseas Like most of you, I was very excited then to community involvement project (OCIP) Always remember to appreciate the receive this scholarship as it not only helps when I was in my final year – the busiest people around you and the things us to cover our tuition fees, but also provides year of all. I broke down for the first time in that you have. Build up a network and some pocket money for various study or training my life as I felt overwhelmed by the various treasure the relationships that you have activities. But the real value of our scholarship responsibilities, deadlines and expectations forged, as they can become mutual goes beyond the monetary sum that we are that I had to meet, especially the high pillars of support to fall back on in times Congratulations receiving. It lies within the opportunities for expectations I had of myself. of need. Be grateful and remember to exposure and development we get over the next thank and acknowledge the people who three years, either through the SP Outstanding I remember how I had to stay back late have helped or supported you in any Talent (SPOT) programme, leadership training almost every day for trainings, CCA camp way. SP Scholars 2012 programmes or competitions – locally and meetings, pre-OCIP-trip activities and night School of Yeo Yi Ping School of Electrical Singapore Maritime overseas. lessons, on top of my usual lessons. Many Let me share with you my life motto. Architecture and the Danial Said Abdat and Electronic Academy things were on my mind throughout the day “First say to yourself what you would Built Environment Hariz Bin Mohd Yousuf Engineering Leong Wan Shan Communication, Leadership and Teambuilding and when these activities became more be; and then do what you have to do.” Hu Anni Hussein Ahmad Madhni Bin Ali Caleb Foo Nery Koh – these are a few very important soft skills that than I could handle mentally and physically, I Looking back, this was what kept me Samantha Tan Liu Yizhao Chua Shao Wei Sun Bowen these developmental programmes have equipped finally collapsed. driven throughout my three years in Wong Chi Khay Dickson Soon Daniel Goh me with. And I am very thankful to SP, as well as SP - the goal of furthering my studies in Natalie Phoon Lim Xue Ting Ikhwan Muzzammil Bin Muhd Azni SP Sports Scholarship my lecturers for imparting me with such skills. Fortunately, I managed to pull myself a university. Goals are important in life. Indra Faridzuan Bin Runzi Phoebe Germaine Tan Kenneth Cheng Basil Low – Diploma in together, with great determination and So set a goal, work hard towards it and Agnes Lau Rachel Tan Lee Jian Wei Banking and Finance By now, most of you would have attended the the support of my friends as well as the Nick Koh Miko Yeo Muhd Syafiq Bin Abas Ernest Chua – Diploma in enjoy that feeling of achievement when Chew Junling Timothy Tang Biomedical Science Leadership Training Camp at Telunas, Indonesia. people around me. It was through such you have attained your goal. Poh Tian Han School of Yoong Jia Hui Abel Lim – Diploma in I recall how I laid in a hammock in the jungle an experience that I learned how to better Communication, Arts Jerry Quek Aeronautical Engineering that night, trying very hard to fall asleep. I know I manage problems. Sometimes, we need to Once again, congratulations on receiving SP Business School and Social Sciences Timothy Lee – Diploma in needed rest to prepare my body for the challenges take a step back and tackle problems one the scholarship. I wish you the best as Ivan Chan Andrea Kee School of Mechanical Aeronautical Engineering of hiking down the next day, but I was wide at a time, rather than look at them as an you embark on your journey as an SP Chia Wei Hao Prisia Ong and Aeronautical Audrey Yong – Diploma in awake as scenes of how I nearly lost my balance overwhelming whole. Scholar. Glenn Fang Poh Jek Kee Engineering Hotel and Leisure Facilities and fell into a waterfall earlier that day made me Lee Shu Hooi Sim Xi Zhe Ang Wan Ling Management worry that I would not be able to get down the Oh Bing Quan Yuan Ye Boo Kwok Ying mountainous track the next day. Fortunately, my Sheena Lee Lim Zhao Yi Chin Guan Wei SP Music and Arts worries proved to be unfounded as I eventually Suan Yechin Xavier Chu Scholarship overcame that obstacle. And how did I do that? Jasmine Yeo SP Design School Samuel Do Gabriel Hoe – Diploma in Music Loh Zhiwen Casper Chua Eugene Gwan and Audio Technology Simple, I learnt to trust, not just in others, but Tan Kai Li Goh Jia Hui Jacob Koh – Diploma in Info- also in myself. So here’s what I lhave earnt at School of Chemical Beatrice Cho Jason Ang communication Engineering that SPOT camp - Believe that you can, and you and Life Sciences Joshua Goh and Design will. Seize every opportunity you have over the Erica Lee School of Digital Lee Hong Wei Wong Wai Huin - Diploma in next three years to build your inner confidence, Neo Feng Yi Media and Infocomm Lim Boxian Music and Audio Technology determination and perseverance. With that, I Pavittar Kaur Technology Lim Wei Heong Beth Yap - Diploma in Music am sure you will find great satisfaction in your Syafiqah Bte mohd Shahril Bryan Mitchell Chia Muhd Fahmi Bin Zakaria and Audio Technology achievements. Tan Fong Xin Chen Jianliang Ng Han Rong Tan Xiu Zhen Lim Yizheng Ng Li Ting My life in SP has been a colourful one. I had Toby Tan Ong Jin Jie Wallace Tan Wong Si Yuan Divesh Singaraju two core CCAs, the DAC Chapter and the SP Nicholas Look

15 Scholarship Partner Scholarship Partner

Fifteen out of 40 IIS scholarships were clinched by SP students.

The jubilant winners of maritime scholarships. Lion’s Share Once More Future Maritime Players

Just when SP received news that the Digital Media and Infocomm Technology students clinched For Ida Scholarships the lion’s share of the Integrated Infocomm Scholarship (IIS) offered by the Infocomm Development Authority (see story on left page), then came the news that we also took a big share of the LKY- History is repeating itself several times Reuben Tan and Santhoshraj, ;from DIT: (Diploma in Infocomm Security STEP Awards for polytechnic students (see page 18). The good news did not stop there. over. SP students have once again Evan Tay, Shaun Lim, Tan Wei Xuan and Management) and Kelvin Khoo (Diploma taken the lion’s share of the Integrated Terence Lam. in Computer Engineering). At the MaritimeONE Scholarship universities such as the Maritime Institute Ong Xiu Ling Infocomm Scholarship (IIS) offered by Awards Ceremony 2012, organised by William Barentz in the Netherlands and Onn Ying Hui the Infocomm Development Authority The IIS scholars will pursue a polytechnic All the IIS and NIS scholars received the Singapore Maritime Foundation, Plymouth University in United Kingdom. Puah Li Lin (IDA). Of the 40 scholarships offered to university path under IDA sponsorship, their scholarships at the MICA SP students and graduates from the SP students also laid claims to all three Tan Bing Guang to polytechnic students, 15 went to paving the way for them to pursue a Scholarship Awards 2012 ceremony. Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) were MaritimeONE scholarships for those Cherlynn Tan SP first-year students, all from the career in the digital media or infocomm- At the same ceremony, SP graduates awarded 30 of the 40 scholarships offered! pursuing a maritime course at the Kent Tan School of Digital Media and Infocomm related industry. The scholarship package Wendy Wong (Diploma in Creative The scholarships are grouped in three polytechnic. Yeo Wei Vynn Technology. They are pursuing diploma includes fully-sponsored tuition fees, an Writing for TV and New Media) and categories: MaritimeONE Scholarship Sabrina Wah courses in Business Information annual allowance, laptop allowance, and Kenson Tan (Diploma in Digital Media) (open to all qualified applicants), the Another 11 students from the Diploma in MaritimeONE Scholarship Technology (DBIT), Digital Music and a local or overseas attachment of up to received the Media Education Scheme Tripartite Maritime Scholarship Scheme Marine Engineering (DMR) and Diploma (for polytechnic studies) Audio Technology (DMAT), Infocomm six months with a company related to Awards sponsored jointly by the Media (TMSS) and the Seafaring Alternative… in Nautical Studies (DNS) were awarded Benjamin Lew Security Management (DISM) and their course of study that comes with a Development Authority and sponsoring An Investment for Life (SAIL) Scholarship the TMSS Scholarships that come with Makoto Miyahara Information Technology (DIT). monthly attachment allowance. companies. Both of them will embark opened to SP students taking maritime a sponsorship of up to S$50,000. To top Noor Shafiq Bin Jalal on careers with Channel News Asia and courses at SMA. The scholarships off the celebration, a first-year student Tripartite Maritime Scholarship The scholars are: from DBIT: Sally Chin; IDA has also awarded the National StarHub respectively upon graduation are sponsored by the most reputable received the most prestigious SAIL Scheme (TMSS) from DMAT: Chew Jun Wern, Cassandra Infocomm Scholarships (NIS) to four from the National University international brand names in the maritime Scholarship which offers sponsorship and Ahmad Taqiyuddin bin Ahmad Ghozali Chng and Xavier Lee; from DISM: SP graduates to pursue their degree of Singapore. industry such as “K” Line, Port of bounty payments of up to $100,000. Robin Ho Cheong Ren Hann, James Edward Teoh, programmes at local or overseas Singapore Authority and Swire Pacific Nery Koh Issac Lee, Ngoh Guang Wei, Nikolas Tay, universities. Under this scholarship Offshore, all of whom have pledged Congratulations to all the winners! Lim Kang Wen scheme, they will be groomed their commitment to nurturing the Daniel Lin by leading global companies, youth by providing the funding for these MaritimeONE Scholarship Marcus Low local companies and government scholarships and offering great career (for university studies) Marc Wayne Jacob agencies during their course of opportunities in their companies. Adelina Astra Rusli Muhd Hafizi bin Johari study, and thereafter employed Joel Chew Muhd Suhaimi Ammar Khan Bin Yusoff by their sponsor companies Of the 25 MaritimeONE scholarships for Pamela Koh Sim Jin Leong upon graduation. The recipients university studies that are worth between Joshua Lin Kenneth Yap are Chi Kok Pin (Diploma in $12,500 to $38,000, SP graduates clinched Lin Mingling Seafaring Alternative… An Investment Information Technology), Tan 15 of them. Most of them will pursue their Lu Zhi Wei for Life (SAIL) Scholarship Wai Kiat (Diploma in Aerospace degree programmes at reputable maritime Natalia Bte Azmi Loy Xing Lu

NIS Scholarship recipients (from left) Kelvin Khoo, Tan Wai Kiat, Tan Jun Electronics), Tan Jun Hao Hao and Chi Kok Pin. Wendy and Kenson received the MDA Scholarships.

17 Scholarship Partner Scholarship Partner Photo courtesy of Singapore Press Holdings.

Scholarships For Pioneer students from the Diploma in Business Innova- tion and Design SP students receiving students receive the LKY-STEP Award Business the MND (from left): are (front row from left): Vivian Ang, Valetta Ivan Chan, Yvonne Goh, Teo, Aaron Lim, Darshini, Muhd Asraf The Next Step Kao Hwee Ling and Bin Mohd Amin, Chen Design Thinkers Michelle Lim. Jianliang, (back row from left) Goh Jia Hui, Ang Bo Jia and Kenneth Cheng. to Success In a first of its kind collaboration submission with the topic, “What are MND and its statutory boards and between a polytechnic and a ministry, key challenges Singapore faces and how agencies that include the Agri-Food No doubt about it. SP is the most have achieved the most outstanding Muhd Asraf Bin Mohd Amin*, Goh five SP students from the pioneer it should respond to the challenges”. and Veterinary Authority, Building and popular polytechnic among outstanding academic results at ITE. Up to six Jia Hui, Yvonne Goh, Ivan Chan and cohort of the Diploma in Business Construction Authority, Council for Institute of Technical Education (ITE) awards are given out each year and SP Darshini (those in * are also recipients Innovation and Design (DBID) will The scholarship deal was inked between Estate Agencies (CEA), Housing and graduates. Among the 15 who were students clinched four of them. of the SHOAS Book Prize). They receive a total scholarship sum of Mr Tay Kim Poh, Deputy Secretary Development Board, National Parks recently awarded the Lee Kuan Yew received their awards from Minister $75,000. This is made possible by a (Development) of MND and Mr Tan Board and Urban Redevelopment Scholarship to Encourage Upgrading The outstanding eight are Ang Bo Jia*, of State for Education Mr Lawrence generous grant from the Ministry of Hang Cheong, SP Principal. Said Mr Tan: Authority. The five of them received (LKY-STEP) Award, eight of them are Kenneth Cheng*, Chen Jianliang*, Wong at a ceremony last month. National Development (MND) which “The Diploma in Business Innovation the scholarships from Mr Khaw now with SP. The Scholarship comes recognises the importance of infusing and Design course is the first of its Boon Wan, Minister for National with a one-off cash quantum of $3,500 Design Thinking as the new approach kind in the tertiary arena and it takes a Development, at the MND-EDGE and waiver of tuition fees for the to improve business processes for the radical approach to business education. Business Innovation and Design duration of the course of study. ITE graduates shine future. We want to inculcate SP students Scholarship Ceremony held in July. Five outstanding graduates from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) now studying with a mindset Of the eight, four of them also in SP are among 11 polytechnic students who recently received the Tay Eng Soon The scholarship will pay for their three- for innovation in received the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Scholarship (TESS). They are Nguan Jia Hui (Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering), year tuition fee at SP and expenses the fast-changing Saifuddien Book Prize. This prize Mohd Fadhil Bin Mohd Soffe (Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering), for the two-week long Boot Camp at economic recognises LKY-STEP recipients who Eric Pui (Diploma in Infocomm Security Management, Diaz Shirannie Barquilla Rotman DesignWorks in University of environment.“ Toronto, Canada – which is one of the (Diploma in Integrated Events and Project Management) and Aldric Fong highlights for this new diploma course. The ministry hopes (Diploma in Maritime Business). They will receive a one-off cash award of $3,000. Rotman School of Management is one to attract young Note: The Lee Kuan Yew Scholarship of the world’s best business schools talents from the to Encourage Upgrading (LKY- The TESS was and a global leader in business design. inaugural batch and STEP) Award was established established in 1993 from The scholars will in turn serve a 15- tap their knowledge from donations received from the donations received from week internship and two-year bond after of Design Thinking former Minister Mentor Lee Kuan companies, individuals graduation at a MND agency of their to help improve Yew through the sale proceeds of and staff of ITE and the choice. services to the wider autographed editions of Volume 2 community. of his Memoirs. The objective of the polytechnics, in memory The five students – Vivian Ang, Kao award is to encourage upgrading of the late Dr Tay Eng Hwee Ling, Aaron Lim, Michelle Lim The scholars will and lifelong learning. Soon, former Chairman of ITE and Minister-in- and Valetta Teo were selected from also be given among the pool of applicants after two internship and work SP Principal Tan Hang Cheong (right) and Mr Tay Kim Poh, Deputy Secretary (Develop- Charge of polytechnic Recipients of Tay Eng Soon rounds of interviews and a paper opportunities at ment), Ministry of National Development signed a deal that paved the way for SP and technical education. Scholarships: (from left): Aldric Fong, students to receive scholarships and internships from the ministry. Mohd Fadhil, Diaz Shirannie and Eric Pui. Not in picture: Nguan Jia Hui.

19 Strategic Partner Smart Phone Rise Of The App Knights

FRANK Store is conveniently located at Foodcourt 5, a Nanyang Polytechnic, Nanyang develop three apps approved by Nokia popular student haunt at SP. Technological University and in three months. Five SP Teams, all test, implement and review their marketing the Institute of Technical comprising DIT students, were among and sales ideas, together with the Frank by Education. The 20 students the 50 proposals accepted for this OCBC team and their mentors. are Edgar Wong, Eugene Tan, competition. The five teams were led by Brandon Tan, the rising app knight. Leslie Lau, Benjamin Tan, Brandon Tan, Nicholas Lee, Ong Jin Wen, Mr Ching Wei Hong, Chief Operating Officer Muhd Hilmi, Jeric Yim, Cheung Felix Foo and Christopher Choo – all final- of OCBC Bank, said: “FRANK by OCBC is a Wai Tung, Koo Chin Chye, year students. banking programme based on relevance to Diploma in Information Technology Wong Zheng Yang, Muhd Azharuddin, the youths. With this internship programme, (DIT) student Brandon Tan is reaping the Mohd Nashrulhaq, Muhd Nur Randy, The current final year cohort of 31 DIT SP students packing punches at the launch the youths from Singapore Polytechnic can benefits of turning what he has learnt Khiew Jian Bin, Marcus Ho, Song Jun students taking the Game Development of FRANK Store at SP. shape the FRANK by OCBC experience that from his course into reality. The final- Quan, Ang Jun Yao, Lin Chun Yi, Dickson Option is a bunch of prolific app is unique and relevant to the entire student year student, who is taking the Game Ang, Lim Ta Eu and Chee Zhong Xian. developers. Within just one semester, population.” Development Option, took part in the they have developed and published more Nokia Knight Program and walked away Brandon won himself a Nokia Lumia than 10 games. Through working in small FRANKly Mr Tan Hang Cheong, SP Principal, is with two major prizes. Operating as a 710 smartphone and a cash prize of groups, they leveraged on each other’s delighted to have a FRANK Store within the one-man-team, he won a prize in the US$3000. As for the La Familia Games best skills ranging from programming to campus. He said: “FRANK by OCBC is a Starter Category for being one of the first Team, they reaped US$6,000 and a art to game design. Their apps, covering Speaking, This great concept. As a strategic collaboration, it 10 teams to have three apps published Nokia smartphone. a wide genre from casual games to 3D is more than just a store. Through a series of using the Windows 7 platform and shooters, are available as free downloads engagement initiatives, we want to educate another prize in the Hero Category for Nokia Knight Program is a competition on the Windows Phone Marketplace. is Excellent! our students about money management. scoring the highest download rate among for students and lecturers to flaunt their We believe they will be able to apply the published apps. mobile application development and Kudos to lecturer Alvin Tang, mentor A new internship programme along the interview. This process will give the what they have learnt in class and most creative thinking skills by competing of these future game developers, for line of SP’s authentic learning approach students a real sense of what it is like to importantly, be armed with practical skills Besides Brandon, another team of amongst themselves and gain recognition patiently guiding them over the years. is in place for students interested in a look for a job. Selection is based on their that can be applied when they start their 20 second-year DIT students calling as a Nokia Knight. Alvin himself is an avid developer banking career. In an exclusive tie-up, level of interest, personality, attitude career. This collaboration will certainly value- themselves the La Familia Games Team, and was amongst the first to have OCBC Bank and SP jointly launched and ability to strategise, plan, implement add to SP’s internship programme and will mentored by lecturer Alvin Tang, won Brandon’s winning streak also extended his app idea approved for Nokia’s the FRANK by OCBC – SP Internship programmes and work in a team. The align well with our emphasis on providing the three prizes in the same competition. In to another competition that he took part #LumiaAppsChallenge. His first app, Programme, in conjunction with the interns will be assigned to the various authentic learning experience.” addition to winning the prize for being in – the #LumiaAppsChallenge by Nokia Blast Bunnies! received more than 3,000 opening of its fourth FRANK Store at SP consumer banking units at OCBC Bank one of the first 10 teams to create three which required participating teams to downloads in two weeks! campus in July. This is the first FRANK and work alongside the Frank by OCBC OCBC FRANK Store in SP is located at published apps, they also won prizes Store in a polytechnic. team - marketing, credit and debit cards Foodcourt 5, a popular convergence area for the Team with the Most Number of business operations and merchant for SP students with Starbucks, Cheers, Published Apps (19 created in total) and Through this 12-week internship acquisition, and branch banking. Each Popular, Kentucky, Subway, swimming pool Team with the Best App (Flag Raiser). programme, SP students will learn how intern will be mentored by a designated and the gym all located in the same area. to manage the FRANK by OCBC banking OCBC Bank manager who will provide It offers an array of banking services with The DIT students fought hard against programme, and develop and implement guidance and supervision throughout the a special focus on youths’ banking needs. competitors from other institutions like Some of the published game apps developed by SP students for the Nokia Knight Program. new business ideas to differentiate internship period. Besides counter services such as deposit the programme for the SP student account opening and loan application, you population. The first batch of interns Each cohort of interns will also be given a can also apply for debit and credit cards will start their internship later this year business objective to deliver. They can be and drop off your cheques. and OCBC expects to train up to 30 SP asked to develop and implement strategies interns every year. to get more Frank by OCBC bank accounts, FRANK Store at SP’s opening hours are come up with more product ideas and from 9am to 4.30pm (weekdays) and 9am All interested students have to submit execute campaigns on various engagement to 11.30am on Saturdays. their resumes to the bank and shortlisted platforms. Like a business project, the ones would attend two rounds of interns will have to research, conceptualise, You will check FRANK out, won’t you?

SP student winners at the Nokia Knight Program with lecturer Alvin Tang (fourth in front row).

21 Solar Perfection Team SUNSPEC from left to right: Front row: Ng Han Sheng, Lim Liang Yuan, Ng Ye Xun, Daniel Yee, Kenet Chua, Lim Xiao Ming; Back row: Sukumar S/O M Tanda Erapanni, Lur Bing Huii, Ng Ye Han, Austen Cheah, Chua Bing Sheng (TSO), Lawrence Ng (Senior Lecturer), Than Keng Hwa (Senior Lecturer), Peh King Sing (Senior And the winner is….Singapore Polytechnic SUNSPEC! Lecturer) Leong Fai Choy (Senior Lecturer), Lam Yi Kee (Senior Lecturer), Lee Jie Xin, Adlin Ng, Doris Hoe, Wang Lu, Md Azizul Hakim Bin M Rusli, Dennis Tang and Abdul Hakim Bin Abdul Wahid; At the send-off in Sentosa. Inside the car: Koh Yong Tat; Not in First in Prototype picture: Foo Fang Solar category: Siong (Lecturer), 8 gold medals, a Steven Chew (Senior trophy and US$2,000 Lecturer) and cash prize. Danny Quek (Senior Lecturer).

Vroom Vroom To Victory Post event exhibition at Getting ready for the race. Shell House. They are barely 20 years The annual event, which SP took part addition to other Singapore teams from olds but yet capable of in for the first time, challenges student institutions including Nanyang Techno- Fai Choy added that that the students worked very teams from around the world to design, logical University, National University of hard, including over weekends, to get the car ready for designing a vehicle that build and test ultra energy-efficient Singapore, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and competition. “Seeing the students feeling proud and roared to victory at the vehicles that will inspire future engineers the Institute of Technical Education. excited over their car was tremendously satisfying. racing track. A team to turn the vision of sustainable mobility The project is one way for the students to build their of students from the into reality. It is held across several con- The SP solar car was christened SUN- capabilities in SP before they start work.” tinents in that include the Americas, Eu- SPEC (Sun Singapore Polytechnic Diploma in Clean Energy rope and Asia with two main categories Engineering Cluster), a lightweight, Participation in the Shell Eco-marathon is the second (DCEG) and Diploma in - the Prototype Solar focuses on maxi- energy-efficient, and reliable vehicle stage of a three-year project plan. The team is gearing Electrical and Electronic mum efficiency while the Urban Concept powered by solar panels and batteries. up for the World Solar Car Challenge which will be held Engineering (DEEE), encourages more practical designs. The development team comprised 30 in Australia next year. The KL event was a good warm- staff and students from the Schools of up for the World Solar Challenge where teams have with guidance from their There were 87 and 43 teams in the Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineer- to depart from Darwin and compete to arrive first in lecturers, designed a Prototype and Urban Concept categories ing (MAE) and Electrical and Electronic Adelaide, some 3,000km away. solar car that came in respectively. To win the Prototype race Engineering (EEE). Leading the teams All cars raring to go... first in the Prototype Solar at Sepang, the SP Team had to complete were senior lecturers Lawrence Ng Kiam Winning aside, what counted was the learning the race with the least possible amount Yam and Leong Fai Choy. Both are mem- opportunity. Said Team Manager Lim Xiao Ming, a final- category at the Shell of energy, cover a distance of 11 kilome- bers of a SP solar car racing team that “We were really excited because this was the first time we year clean energy student: “We learned how to listen Eco-marathon Asia 2012. tres and clock in a time not exceeding was formed in 2010 by the Engineering participated in a regional competition. At the Singapore send-off to each other’s idea and opinions. Everyone should The race took place in 21 minutes. The air was tense as the Cluster with the aim of giving students a event, we had comments that our solar car was impressive and it have a chance to share their thoughts and contribute the Sepang International circuit was filled with more than 130 holistic learning experience by combining was of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) standard,” said to the team. One person’s idea might be wrong, but student teams from 18 countries such cutting-edge engineering with automo- Lawrence. “After executing a smooth demo, we were confident that many wrong answers could lead to brilliant discoveries. Circuit in Kuala Lumpur. as Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, in biles to help save the environment. the car would do well at the competition.” Therefore, every voice should be heard.”

23 Social Programming Sentimental Pleasures For one week in August, visitors to Bugis+ were challenged to reassess their beliefs about happiness through nine art installations. Infocomm Collectively known as “The Happiness Machine”, the installations were created by 19 final-year students from the Diploma in Visual Communication and Media Design (DVMD). These works were Whiz Kids curated as part of their New Media Design module. Several of the installations creatively recombined An SP team from the School of Digital Media and Infocomm Technology (DMIT) won imagery from familiar environments. The “Big the first prize at the Now You Can Leadership (NYCL) Series Season 2, a competition 50!” (left picture), for example, is a pixelated organised by Grid MMS Pte Ltd that encourages youth from 16 to 24 years old to image of a $50 bill made from hundreds of small paper squares. Created by Cheryl Wong Qiao Li develop ideas to improve people’s lives or the environment. Team Storyboard, led A mock-up of a and Hasziela Binte Ali, it shows the difference by Jonathan Toh Jun Hong, was the champion in the Helping Humans category. The $50 bill asks the questions: Have you that a $50 bill could make in one’s life. If splurged team of four, all final-yearDiploma in Information Technology (DIT) students, took spent money wisely thoughtlessly, it can become a materialistic and has money baggage. However, it can also bring real happiness home $2,000 cash. brought real joy to you or the people if spent on something meaningful, like one’s lifelong Here’s another win around you? yearning or a gift for a loved one. The arduous task Students from the School of Digital of joining together the pieces of paper to create the Media and Infocomm Technology reaped giant note gives a hint of the amount of hard work a bountiful harvest this year. They have that goes into earning $50. scored victories in several competitions and some teams would be heading Another installation named “Good Memories” overseas to prove their mettle in the focused on bygone childhoods. Created by Eng Sui Kee, Hazel Yu and Melissa Zee, it is a collection infocomm technology arena. of 32 tin cans, with each containing a nostalgic childhood source of joy in the form of games, Besides winning a top prize at the sounds or smells. The cans contain things like five Now You Can Leadership Series (main stones, a childhood game; Tiger Balm ointment story), Jonathan Toh also captured the which emits a strong signature scent; and sound Best Presenter Award at the Singapore recorders that play sounds like the traditional school Infocomm Technology Federation Awards. bell ring and shouts of karang guni. The White This is not all. A team comprising fresh Rabbit milk candy is in one of the cans. Suikee DIT graduates Kugan Kobalakrisna (Team Don’t Worry, said: “Our installation is like a shelter where people Team Storyboard: (from left) Brandon Leader), Muhd Nazrul Nizam Mohd can relive their childhood memories, look back, be Tan Jian Sin, Francis Cheng, Jonathan happy and remember joys of the past.” Toh Jun Hong, and Nicholas Lee Khamis, Jayaprakash Amresh Kumar, Be Happy  Lau Huiting, and Muhd Izzat Ridzuan took Lecturer David Tan Yang Tow from SP Design the Gold Award for their project Lifeline Jonathan shares his team’s journey It was a very difficult journey that caused School shared about the exhibition’s aim: Mobile Application in the Tertiary category. in the making of their winning project many sleepless nights but they were all “Through this project, we hope to get the visual - MediJournal - a medication reminder worthwhile. In the end, what matters communication design students to probe into the iPhone app that is intuitive, fast and useful most to us is making a difference - Kugan and team mates will be taking hearts of our residents and rediscover the rich for all ages. It enables a user to grab their helping people and making their lives the project to compete at the Asia Pacific heritage and cultures of old or contemporary times. medication info from the hospital’s server easier using information technology,” ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards to be held From there, they can develop interactive artefacts and automatically schedules the reminder says Jonathan. in Brunei in December. APICTA is an to remind the public of what makes them happy timings with only one touch of a button. international awards programme that and even proud to be a homegrown Singaporean.” Another SP team, Team AWE4SOME, “My team took part in five competitions, took the runner-up position in the Dream aims to increase infocomm technology including the NYCL Series, and we made is Green category. The team comprised awareness in the Asian Pacific community. it to the finals for most. It was a long but students from both DIT and Diploma fruitful one-year journey. MediJournal in Infocomm Security Management was developed based on a coding (DISM): Team Leader Terence Lam (DIT, programming language that wasn’t first-year), Clarence Lam (DIT, final- even taught in school. Nevertheless, year), Timothy Tan (DISM, first-year) and the foundation that DIT gave us was Bernard Tang (DISM, final-year). Their

a great advantage to pick up another project is titled Recyclops, a smartphone Jonathan Toh Photo courtesy of Singapore Press Holdings. programming language easily. app to help users recognise recyclable (left) and Kugan Kobalakrisna – big items and nearby recycling bins, won From left: Hazel, Sui Kee and Melissa winners at the SiTF bring back old memories under their them a trophy and $250 voucher. 2012 Awards. Interactivity: visitors at the Happiness Machine exhibition pen Good Memories umbrella. down their thoughts on what they are grateful for.

25 Seoul Presence Star Programme Kar Meng (left) and course mate taking a known motivational speaker Jeffrey Goh South Korea is now a hotspot for two reasons – K-pop groups and break on Phuket Island. cosmetic surgery. But these are not the primary reasons why a also delivered a hilarious talk to the young audience. group of students from the Singapore Maritime Academy (SMA) at SP were there not too long ago. “One of the highlights was visiting areas in the ship that are not opened to the public, such as the engine room, the A Taste Of University Life In navigation bridge and the galleys where food is prepared. We had stops in Penang and Phuket and all of us spared no time K-Pop Land to visit places of interest within the short hours given. The students had to give presentations on the last day on what they The group stayed in a hotel had learnt from the camp. It would end with about 45-minute drive from a gala dinner hosted by the captain,” says

Eugene (second from left) and course Incheon Airport in Seoul. Kar Meng. mates having fun sightseeing and Besides exploring all of CAU, eating in the land of K-Pop. they had a little bit of time Two times in MEL Camps is seemingly to discover Korean culture. not enough for Kar Meng. He will be going One of the more interesting to Nagoya in Japan for another overseas recreational lessons was Floating Campus learning trip this month. This time round, learning how to make kimchi he will stay in the homes of the Japanese at the (what else!) Kimchi Every year, about 200 students from various SP students who had a home-stay in his house School! They had also some schools and other partner educational institutions when they were here on a study trip earlier. time to shop at some of the most popular tourist belts like attend the Maritime Experiential Learning (MEL) Myongdong, Itaaewan and Camp, a special learning programme on board Ka Meng plans to further his studies Nandemon. at Plymouth University in the United Star Cruise Virgo. Started in 2004, the camp is a Kingdom to study maritime business “What I like about Korea collaborative programme between the Singapore after his diploma. is that the people seem to Maritime Academy at SP and Star Cruises for students be respectful to each other, Kar Meng with Star Cruise to experience learning on a floating campus. Virgo’s Captain Rodshort. especially towards the elders Maritime Business students made an and teachers. The food was inaugural visit to great but a major problem is During the four-day return cruise to Penang Technology and students from the Institution Chung-Ang University in and Phuket, in addition to the experience of of Technical Education (Yishun). It was a South Korea. that most restaurants only have their menu in Korean. living aboard and witnessing the operations good mix of local and foreign participants. My Eugene Lim, a final-year student from ease in providing hands-on learning for Their barbeque meat is of a large well-run cruise ship, the students duties include co-ordinating the workshops, the Diploma in Maritime Business the undergraduates there. The group also especially delicious! And experiencing a also learn about the global shipping industry ensuring safety, taking photos and hosting (DMB), landed in Seoul recently with 18 visited the Incheon Free Economic Zone temperature of almost -8 degrees is no and Singapore’s role in the maritime our friends from Japan,” says Kar Meng. fellow course mates and senior lecturer (IFEZ), a hub for logistics, international joke for us so used to the hot weather. industry. There are also motivational talks Captain Sahwan Osman to visit Chung- business, leisure and tourism, and the We brought winter clothings but they still by adventurers sharing their experiences Activities on board included workshops Ang University (CAU), one of the top Incheon Port. couldn’t keep us warm,” says Eugene. in dealing with various challenges, such as by Star Cruise’s universities in Korea. The trip allows DMB climbing Mount Everest, trekking the North Captain Rodshort students to explore the possibility of Eugene recalls his visit to Incheon Port: Eugene has not yet decided whether he and South Poles and swimming across who shared his furthering their maritime studies offered by “It was really an eye opener. The visit wants to study in CAU but he is pretty sure Malacca Strait. experience of CAU, after seeing the campus with their gave us a real feel of the port facilities. of getting a degree after his diploma. No his career as own eyes. From the academic viewpoint, I felt really sweat for this guy to advance his studies, Ko Kar Meng, a final-year Diploma in a ship captain. privileged to be able to step into the port with his current almost perfect GPA score. Maritime Business student, joined the camp Professor Ehsan Besides a tour of the entire campus which as this is usually not opened to the public. during his second year. He enjoyed it so Mesbahi from included visiting the library and hostel, We also had the opportunity to see the much that he volunteered for a second run the Newcastle they also attended a special lesson on port lock system, a device that allows water Note: In a recent collaboration this year, this time as a student helper. University also automation by a British professor. CAU to be raised for vessels to sail in so that between Singapore Maritime Academy gave a lesson was established in 1918 and the university cargo can be loaded and discharged. This and Chung-Ang University, graduates “This time round, besides SMA students, about ballast has gone through extensive rejuvenation is not used in Singapore and we only from the Diploma in Maritime Business we also had SP students from the tanks. Well and many new buildings have been added learned about it through our module notes. (DMB) can pursue the Bachelor of in recent years. An interesting landscape So seeing a real system reinforces my Diploma in International Business (DIB), Business Administration (International of old and new buildings fill the campus. learning about its usage and is entirely undergraduates from Korea’s Chung-Ang Logistics) at CAU, a two-year degree Best of all, the Korean government is different from just reading about it from University, Japan’s Toba College of Maritime programme conducted in English. The MEL Camp 2012 building a seaport nearby which will add our notes.” family photo with the crew of Star Cruise Virgo.

27 Saving Planet

The SP Environment Club at work for the residents about the importance of The journey there, in 3R Community “reduce, reuse and recycle.” her own words, was Collection Drive. like a scene from Elaine’s trip to Borneo kicked off with Indiana Jones. The a send-off where each winner was group descended presented with research kits, as a symbol in Danum Valley of being given the opportunity to go field centre, about a to Borneo’s tropical rainforest to gain three-hour drive from first-hand information and groundwork Lahad Datu Airport, experience in scientific research. Guided after a bumpy ride on by scientists from Universiti Malaysia rusty laterite roads Sabah and a senior scientist from the with countless bends Southeast Asian Rainforest Research and slopes. The Programme, they would assess and place was set up for measure soil moisture levels, test and research, education analyse slope angle and position, plant and wilderness seeds and study vegetation structure recreation and has Break time in the forest with the locals and the Earth Check scientists. and density to understand soil erosion, suitably rustic, fragmentation and climate change that simple but sufficient occur in the rainforest of Borneo. infrastructures for the researchers. They tips on recognising heat illness due to were joined by self-funded Earth Watch acclimatization, burns, harmful insects The Borneo trip seemed surreal to her volunteers from Australia, Britain and the and hazards in the forest. One important laine Sam set foot in Borneo. Left: Elaine (middle) with the winners initially: “Winning a trip to the heart of of the HSBC/NYAA Youth Environmental Awards 2012. United States. tip that Elaine picked up was recognising Borneo was really a dream come true for dead tree stumps and not to hold on to me as I have always wanted to explore Their project aimed to understand how them. also documentaries that had creatures that part of the world which is rich in logging and land use change have like the beautiful tree frog or other wild biodiversity. Borneo is the third largest impacted forests and how resiliently Her summary of the trip: “I’ve learnt a lot life animals. During my secondary school island (shared by Malaysia, Indonesia these rainforests react to climate change, about the importance of forest biodiversity days, I realised that my peers are not and Brunei) in the world and much of it especially severe droughts. Together and its beauty. I made the most out of my really environmentally conscious. This is covered with tropical rainforest which with a team of scientists and research time there and enjoyed nature to the fullest. actually motivated me to post articles has the most diverse ecosystems in the assistants, they assessed the structure Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, on the environment and recycling on world. They are home to thousands of of the rainforest, analysed how plants the experience of tranquility is priceless. Out My Journey As popular social networking sites. I believe plant species, countless types of insect, and animals have been impacted by the in the forest, we got to experience wildlife a new belief can start with small habits a vast array of birds and some of the logging and fragmentation, and how this sightings of hornbills, listen to the sound of in our daily lives. Soon, I got together a world’s most iconic and endangered disturbance has affected soil moisture, the barking deer, monitor the tracks left by clouded leopards and look out for signs that A Young group of friends to volunteer at the Tzu mammals like the Sumatran rhino, decomposition and soil erosion. Chi Foundation’s recycling centre where clouded leopards and pygmy elephants.” a rogue male pygmy elephant was in the vicinity.” people bring their own recyclables and Although Elaine did not know her fellow help to sort out the different materials,” team members well, their common Environmentalist Elaine has this word of advice for young recalls Elaine of her early days in interest bound them together. “The aspiring environmentalists like her: environmental work. field project was done in groups, Elaine Sam, a final-year student from the Diploma in “What’s most important is taking the first so teamwork is a key element. The Environmental Management and Water Technology (DEWT) step in volunteerism. The SP Environment With the SP Environment Club, scientist would pick the land plots and course, recently took a trip to the tropical forest in Borneo to study Club, for example, is a great platform. You Elaine participated in activities like we had to meet targeted daily data can start as a green guide for secondary environmental issues. The trip was her prize package as one of the mangrove salvation at Sungei collection for leaf count, herbivore schools students to tell them more about the five winners at this year’s HSBC/NYAA Youth Environmental Buloh, Amazing Green Race and Earth damage and light intensity. our SP green features like the InnoVillage Award. She also received a plaque and a $500 voucher. The Hour. She also initiated a field trip or even initiating outdoor environment Award was started in 1988 to recognise youth between the to Landscape Nursery to inculcate Drinking fresh vine water and doing leaf count. The forest was not second nature to camps.” ages of 14 and 25 for their outstanding contributions towards horticultural knowledge, promote the young urban dwellers, so they environmental protection and nature conservation and to gardening interest and introduce were also taught some basic jungle After her graduation, Elaine hopes to clinch promote support for young environmentalists. hydroculture technology in gardening. survival skills. They had to stay alert a scholarship to study Environmental Together with NParks, she organised all the time and look out for signs of Engineering or Environmental Science at Elaine certainly deserves the win. It was through her diploma course that she met Earth Day @ Pasir Ris Park. In 2011, fatigue among team members. There one of our local universities. But her journey like-minded course mates who led her to join the SP Environment Club which she she represented SP at the World were also volunteers who came from as an environmentalist does not stop after is now leading as Club President. But her emotional attachment to the environment Leadership Conference where delegates temperate climate regions who had to SP. She intends to continue her passion in started even way earlier. from the region gather to discuss keep themselves hydrated all the time raising awareness on environmental issues environmental issues. More recently, as the humidity was very high in the and hopes to inspire future green leaders “I’m fascinated with nature since young and it has always been my dream to visit all the the Club embarked on a nine-month 3R jungle and they might not have adapted to take the first step forward in making the natural wonders of the world. I was not only watching cartoons like any normal kids but Community Collection Drive to educate well initially. Everyone learned some difference.

29 String Perfection Sarawak Project

The SP String Ensemble learns from the best in Taiwan.

University, for example, exposed her to the Baroque symphony which uses different instruments and techniques. The group also attended lectures conducted by the National Taiwan University where they learned about stage management and structuring of songs. A concert by the National Symphony Orchestra was also included in the itinerary.

The eye-opener was a special master class conducted by Mr Roger Chiang, the Concert Master for the Taipei Symphony Orchestra who patiently listened to our young musicians and pointed out how they could improve on their skills. Sleeping With Lizards How could a visit to Taipei end without taking in the sights? Besides visiting Taipei 101, the tallest building in And Bugs Taiwan, the ensemble also found time (Shifu), Please to visit cultural gems like the Ying 师父 Ge Pottery Museum and the Taipei Not even 20 years old and thrown in a Teamed in groups of six, they were Show Me How Arts Museum where they admired foreign land to produce a documentary. given a choice of three destinations - a native art forms. They also took a That was the scenario that final-year fishing village called Kampung Buntal, In the imaginary world of sword hooked up with the Taipei Symphony dip at a hot spring in Yang Ming Shan students from the Diploma in Creative the Sarawak Cultural Village and another fighting novels, we hear of young men Orchestra which kindly accepted his and visited Danshui old town and the Writing for TV and New Media (DTVM) village at the foot of the majestic who would travel to the mountains request to conduct master classes for must-see-and-eat Shilin Night Market. faced for one of their projects. No big Santubong mountain. Many hours were to seek masters or shifu who would the SP string musicians. deal. Just make friends with the bugs, spent under the hot sun interviewing teach them martial arts. Ying Xuan sums up the trip: “Although hop on a boat, talk to villagers and laugh a the villagers, filming their daily activities, For Liow Ying Xuan, a fresh SP it was only one week, I learned so lot. At the end of it, they delivered! attending briefings and discovering A group of 19 young musicians from graduate from the Diploma in Food many things that I can apply in my myths and legends. There was a the SP String Ensemble did the Science and Technology (DFST) daily practice. Other than that, I The entire final-year cohort of 43 students lot of hard work. It was not exactly same, albeit in a more comfortable who went on the trip, it was a very bonded much closer with the group spent four days and three nights in pleasurable just waiting for the right setting. They flew to Taipei to seek fruitful and educational trip for her. and our relationship has strengthened Sarawak, Malaysia for a filming project. shot. Getting the interviews right was out the masters among the orchestra The visit to the Chinese Cultural so much more after this trip.” Accompanied by five lecturers, they had excruciatingly difficult. musicians there, hoping to to complete a documentary assignment improve their performance Editor’s note; The SP String under the module called ‘On-Location But there were fun moments. Home skills while slurping oyster Ensemble will be putting up their Production’. The idea was to train them to was right smack in the rainforest with no mee suah in Ximenting, Renaissance series concert this produce a compelling story in unfamiliar pillows and bolsters. They woke up not to a popular youth shopping year under the SP Arts Fiesta in or even unfavourable conditions within a the blasting of car horns but chirping birds district. November. Watch out for it! tight deadline. This is what SP educators and had visits from friendly neighbours love to call it – authentic learning. After all, like the lizards and bugs. There was and enlightening sound-bites. It was The one-week trip was the aspiring creative writers would have some time to play beach games and even an exhilarating experience that would made possible by Johnny to deal with such work environments shopping. Some of them even realised be a highlight in their resumes. Their Ong, a manager from the in the future. This is the best way for that life without their mobile phones was documentaries would be exhibited during Department of Student them to learn – do what the media a lot better! their graduation show next year. Best of Development who was once professionals do. Not a single complaint all, they would also compete amongst an undergraduate in Taiwan. Our string musicians from them. After all, this is in lieu of What matters most to them however themselves for the DTVM Awards, the learning how to choose Through his network with a good cello from taking exam papers! were the end results - stunning visuals highlight of their graduation show. the music industry there, he Mr Chen Yu Han, a cellist from the Taipei Symphony Orchestra.

31 Splashing Pleasures Water Pleasures

It was splashing good times once more as SP staff and students, together with partners from the secondary schools, occupied Marina Barrage on a sunny morning in June for the annual Singapore International Water Festival (SIWF). Organised jointly with the Public Utilities Board in collaboration with the Singapore International Water Week, the event serves to educate youth on the importance of water conservation.

Since last year, SIWF has also Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister missions worldwide. The monies were become a family day event for SP for Community Development, Youth collected by SP freshies during this staff where family members of the SP and Sports, officially launched this year’s Flag Day. community have a fun day engaging year’s SIWF. Two cheques were in activities such as kite making, art presented at the ceremony. The sum of If you missed out on the action, SPirit competition and riding on the river $90,000 was presented to President’s brings you the highlights in pictures. taxis. The turnout of SP students Challenge to help beneficiaries under was also the highest in the history this programme of this fun yet educational event, a while another well-deserved record after months $$75,635 was of campaigning by the SIWF student donated to ambassadors appointed to promote Mercy Relief to the event. In all, more than 5,000 aid humanitarian people soaked in the wet and wild environment.

SP students and our partner institutions pit their skills in the Raft, Telematch, Canoe and Dragonboat races. The Raft Race was particularly interesting as teams had to build rafts using recycled materials.

33 Sporting Peaks

Rock Climbing The Season Of Medals If team spirit could be measured, there was certainly 100% of it in the blood of SP sportsmen and sportswomen. From And Trophies

cheerleading to dragonboat, they invested Taekondo Taekwondo Lion Dance endless strength and commitment in their 1 Silver and 1 Bronze at the International Club Taekwondo Tournament (ICTO) passion to bring glory to SP. Their victories 2012 in Bangkok were not confined to just Singapore but Chinese Chess beyond the shores to as far away as Hong 1st in POL-ITE Games

Kong. Adding to the list were individual Weiqi achievers who competed at national 1st in POL-ITE Games Chinese and international levels and they also Lion Dance Chess demonstrated the tenacity that characterises 1st in Ngee Ann City Lion Dance Competition (School category) the SP Team SPirit. Hip Hip Hooray!! Dragonboat Wushu Dragonboat 15 Golds,13 Silvers and 1 Bronze at the salutes the winners and our gratitude 1st in POL-ITE Games (Men) Singapore International Traditional Wushu goes out to the coaches for their dedication in 1st in POL-ITE Games (Mixed) Competition 2012 Weiqi 2nd in POL-ITE Games (Women) bringing out the best in our SP boys and girls! 1st in 8th Club Crew World Bowling Rock Climbing Championships, Hong Kong (200m event Basil Low 1st in National Schools Sports Climbing / 18-23 Racing Class, Open division) 3rd in 12th World Youth Championship Championships 2012 (Youth A Division) 2nd in 8th Club Crew World Bangkok (Boys’ Single) 2nd in Team category and 3rd in Akid Championships, Hong Kong (500m and Bowling Intermediate category in NUS Boulder 2000m events / 18-23 Racing Class, Diving Active Open division) Timothy Lee 1st in Macau International Diving Adventurers Gusto! Cheerleading Invitational (Open Men’s 3m Springboard) 2nd in Team category in Adventure Trail 1st in Singapore National Cheerleading 1st in Macau International Diving Challenge 2012 Championship 2012 Invitational (Open Men’s Synchronised 2nd in Cheerleading Asian Invitational Diving 3m Springboard) Softball Open 2012 Dragonboat 2nd in Southeast Asia Swimming 1st in SBSA Kallang Softball Championships (Men’s 1m Springboard) (Men’s Open) Water Polo 3rd in Southeast Asia Swimming (Men’s 1st in SRC Softball Open (Men’s Open) 2nd in POL-ITE Games Synchronised 3m Springboard) 1st in Schools Senior (Men’s 1m) and Silat Tennis 2nd in Schools Senior (Men’s 3m) at 2nd Tertiary Silat Championship 3rd in POL-ITE Games (Women) International School Diving Championship Gold in Male category Class G Silver in Male category Class I, Rugby Class F and Male Artistic Team 2nd in Singapore Rugby Tertiary10s Category Wushu Competition Bronze in Female category Class B, Male category Class C, Male category Cheerleading Softball Class O and Male category Class D

Tennis

Water Polo 35 Silat Sight Programme

course, the graduates can proceed to continue with a degree in Optometry conducted right here in SP campus. The two-year degree programme is offered by the University of Manchester (United Kingdom) and is among the most Perfect reputable in the world. It is also approved and heavily subsidised by the Ministry of Education. I Care. Eye Care Sight June marks the graduation of the second batch of students from the University Final-year student Ge Jian Bin was set of Manchester (UM) Optometry Degree Programme conducted in SP. Adding on taking Optometry at SP three years cheers to the happy occasion was the news that 70 per cent of the graduates ago even though he stays in Bedok, had already been offered full-time employment even before they graduated, For The some distance away from SP. His with high starting salaries to boot! reason: “SP is so accessible with the Dover MRT Station. To be honest, I First started in 2009, the two-year full-time degree awarded by UM caters specially Future just love everything about this course to Diploma in Optometry graduates in Singapore. which includes the modules, lecturers Taylor Swift sings “Keep your eyes and facilities. Probably because I’m just Tan Li Ying, one of the top graduates from the latest batch, initially planned to study open…..” in her hit song Eyes Open. The interested in Optometry, thus I enjoyed overseas after completing in 2008 her optometry diploma in SP with a GPA of Optometry final year students (from left) Santi Tang, Kodi Goh, Syafiq Asyraf and Jian Bin have the best of both worlds after they next time you pass by the Optometry everything.” 3.831. However, she held back her plans due to financial constraints and therefore graduate – they can choose to start work as optometrists and draw a good starting pay or pursue a two-year degree programme Centre, you have to really open your it was a godsend that the UM degree programme materialised. With her new offered by University of Manchester and conducted in SP. eyes. The almost 20-year-old Centre has His classmate Kodi Goh, who joined SP qualification, she hopes to deliver quality primary eye care or specialised services been given a major eye lift (pardon the from Dunman High with an aggregate such as in contact lenses or paediatrics, just like in the United Kingdom, Australia pun!) to equip optometry students with score of just five points, says: “Through and United States. To reach that stage, I will need more training and experiences,” the latest eye care equipment and an interacting with people, optometrists says Li Ying who is now working with a public healthcare organisation. upgraded retail space that can rival any directly help to improve their quality of the optical shops downtown. of sight, whether by early detection of Another top graduate is Lim Hui Ying who completed her SP Diploma in diseases or simply prescribing a pair Optometry with a GPA of 3.895. “Furthering my studies with UM was an SP has been offering the Diploma of spectacles. It gives me a sense of opportunity for me to upgrade my skills and knowledge on optometry to in Optometry (DOPT) since 1994. satisfaction whenever we are able to a higher level. The degree programme came with many hours of practical Over the years, it has trained thousands solve their vision problems. The career sessions in hospitals and clinics which gave us a more sophisticated and in- of optometrists who enjoy one of the path is a challenging but fulfilling one.” depth learning of eye diseases,” says Hui Ying, now employed with Changi highest starting salaries among diploma General Hospital. She also had the chance to witness one of the best eye care graduates. The most recent employment No regrets for both of them as they are models in the world when she did her internship at the State University of New survey of polytechnic graduate shows now among the top performers for this York (SUNY), College of Optometry. Hui Ying is not stopping at a degree. In that Optometry graduates can earn close course. the long run, she hopes to get her doctorate and become a lecturer to educate to $2,500 (for those who have completed future generations of optometrists. national service). This is certainly one of In case you didn’t know, SP Optometry the key reasons why DOPT has been a Centre is also open to the public (which very popular course among GCE ‘O’ level of course include all school students) for school leavers. eye checks and purchase of prescription and contact lenses. Opening hours are However, since 2010, there is another from 10am to 5pm from Mondays to A spanking new Optometry Centre to train future optometrists. compelling reason to study Optometry. Fridays, except on Wed from 10am to From left : Santi Tang, Kodi Goh, Syafiq Asyraf Bin Kusni and Ge Jian Bin. After completing their three-year diploma 1pm; and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Lim Hui Ling (left) and Tan Li Ying graduated with 1st class honours in Optometry from the University of Manchester. Only the best and the latest eye care equipment is stocked at Sp Optometry Centre.

37 Sneak Preview A Brand New View From Dover

A new look will soon take shape Spacious entrance to levels 1 at the Admin Block. and 2 of Admin Block. Reception area.

The SP skyline from Dover Road will see a major transformation come end 2013. The almost 40-year old Administration Block and The present façade of Admin Block. the adjacent buildings will soon undergo major redevelopment works that will turn the ground floor area of both buildings into vibrant social and learning spaces.

Workshops will gradually be given a new exterior.

A warm and cosy reception area will addition of escalators. A sheltered drop spots including EcOasis and Sanctuary. welcome visitors where they will off point will let visitors stay dry on a Upcoming works include renovation also get to view some of the best of wet day. of the Auditorium’s interior, a works by SP students. Natural lighting new entrance for Gate 8 along A new entrance for Gate 1 along accentuated by warm lightings will This re-development project is the Commonwealth Avenue West and an Commonwealth Avenue West. enhance the ambience of this social latest among a series of campus overhead bridge adjacent to it. space. One section of the area will be rejuvenation programmes rolled out developed as a study area. since two years ago. Completed SPirit brings to you the artist projects include new study areas like impressions of these exciting new

Social and study spaces on For visitors going towards the Library SPectrum at T16, iCAFE at the Student projects that will certainly inject a lot Level 2 of the new Admin and other areas of SP, their walk will Service Centre, the lobby area at the more vibrancy to the SP environment. Block facade. be given a little more comfort with the Auditorium, eleven2 and various green

39 Serving People Serving People

Shannon Sim (extreme left back row), Lydia Lim (extreme right front row) and fellow Get Set For SP mates Jackson Lee, Ryan Loh, Ash Ang, Having a heart to Wong Wei Foong, Teo Kae Lin and Amelia Poh showcasing the hand-sewn handicrafts, a serve is a core value social enterprise project that was spun off from their community service trip in China. that SP hopes to instil Humanitarian in all its students. With this in mind, the Go Missions Serve programme was recently launched as part of SP’s holistic education framework. The programme hopes to imbue a heart of compassion and a spirit The pioneer batch of social innovation and on their first humanitarian The first batch of trained SP humanitarians receiving their certificates entrepreneurship among mission in North from Deputy Prime Minister Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam. students and staff to serve Luzon, Philippines. the people and society. For 34 SP students, completing and receiving their Diploma Plus Certificate in Humanitarian Affairs As a winner of the last month marked a new beginning. With formal training in a very specialised area, they are now President’s Social Service ready to serve countries that need help when a disaster strikes. The group received their certificates Award in 2011, SP will at the observation ceremony for the 4th World Humanitarian Day organised by Mercy Relief (MR), a spare no efforts to deepen humanitarian organisation that has touched lives and hearts in more than 18 countries in Asia such our commitment to serve as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China and India. Deputy Prime Minister Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam the community. presented the certificates to the pioneer cohort. The two-year Diploma Plus course is the principles, philosophies, mechanics, Shanmugaratnam praised the young a joint initiative by SP and MR in an dynamics, expectations and challenges of humanitarians in his Facebook page. He wrote: effort to mould the next generation of the humanitarian sector. It also includes “This was the first batch, 34 of them. They humanitarians in Singapore who would overseas practical assignments for had done it in the evenings - three modules, Go Forth And Serve play a proactive and effective part in sustainable development, disaster risk 180 hours, over two years - on top of their day serving the region’s humanitarian needs. mitigation and post-disaster relief works. classes in their various diploma courses. Plus This is essentially crucial with Asia a few weeks overseas, working in disaster- At the launch of Go Serve, a group of students to return to the same place for another witnessing and experiencing an increase The three best-performing students stricken or impoverished communities. They delivered an emotional presentation on their community service trip project. Although it in the occurrence of natural disasters over received Mercy Relief Book Prizes. visited those affected by Typhoon Ketsana in community service trip in a remote village in was only a short two weeks, the work we the last decade. Kohgilavani d/o Selvakumaran, a final-year Central Luzon, Philippines, where they learnt Sichuan, China. The trip has changed their did had impacted the local community. We student from the Diploma in Tourism and to plant mangrove and prepare sand-bags; and perspectives of how they view the world. encouraged volunteerism among the youth The course was launched to provide Resort Management (DTRM), graduated did a study to understand the plight of urban there and also drafted a business proposal for practical, hands-on training to students and as overall top student and also the best slum dwellers in Tondo, Manila. Shannon Lim, a final-year Diploma in Media our handicap beneficiaries. I very much like to professionals about the multi-disciplinary student for Module 1. Choo Si Ling and and Communication (DMC) student and go back to see the progress of our work done nature of humanitarian assistance and Whitney Tan, both from the Diploma in They were from different fields in SP - one of the presenters, spoke on how the there,” adds Shannon. international relief and development. International Business (DIB) topped business, engineering, tourism studies and experience has humbled him. Having lived in MR’s Chief Executive Mr Hassan Ahmad, Modules 2 and 3 respectively. so on - but had all chosen to add on this new a very sheltered environment, the trip showed The trip has also jolted Shannon to start a is grateful to partner SP in this programme: programme in humanitarian work. Why? Some him the true face of poverty. Says Shannon: social enterprise with Lydia Lim, a final year “We found a priceless partner in SP for the Kohgilavani shares that apart from the told me it was because they “felt privileged” “The trip made me treasure the little things Diploma in Integrated Events and development and running of the course many essential lessons and topics in Singapore. They spoke from the heart. around me; to us these things might be Project Management (DEPM) student. which was set out to groom the next discussed, the course has given her a Some others were interested in switching insignificant but they mean the world to our They work with the Sichuan villagers to generation of humanitarians who would lasting reminder to exercise her objectivity into careers in social work, and wanted the underprivileged friends in China. After the produce hand-sewn handicrafts which they be able to meet the growing demands and by emphasising the need to reflect, exposure. I’ve given out many academic trip, I became more careful in managing my hope could be used as SP’s corporate gifts. challenges. It is useful to have a partner question and ponder. “In the humanitarian scrolls, but this group had something extra money and took my education more seriously. who shares this vision and conviction.” field, it is crucial to see the bigger picture, as they bounced onto the stage. They had I learned to appreciate the love that my family To know more about the various local and Shannon sent this message of love to his Mr Hassan also lectures in this diploma without being blinded to the small details,” idealism. They were doing something out of has given me. overseas community and social innovation family whilst in China, something he has course and often shares his personal she says. interest, not because it was required of them. never done before. projects SP students have undertaken, visit experiences in humanitarian missions. More like them are coming up now, in a new “If given the opportunity, I would like goserve.sg. The three-module course focuses on Deputy Prime Minister Mr Tharman generation. A real plus for Singapore.”

41 Social Protection Reach Out And Touch Somebody’s Life

How much confidence did you SIFE IN SP guys have in winning the national Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) is an international non-profit organisation that works with championship? business leaders and tertiary institutions to engage university students in social enterprise Beatrice: Honestly, we were rather How are you guys preparing for the The complete team of students projects and teach them to become socially responsible leaders in their communities. confident as we put in a lot of time and and staff for SP SIFE 2012. World Cup? Student teams are formed in various countries where they develop projects that will effort into our projects and shaping our In between projects and exams, we have improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. The SIFE World Cup is presentation. However, we were well aware discovered that the villagers’ income could to make organic fertilisers that would weekly meetings to keep the ball rolling in be supplemented with social businesses by a platform for their projects to compete first on a national level and then advancing to the of the tough competition coming from the recuperate the land damaged by the use of preparation for World Cup. We are making making use of readily available resources chemical fertilisers. These products were international finals. Projects on both levels are judged by business leaders. other tertiary institutions and felt a little another trip to India soon to follow up on our nervous. But more importantly, winning or in the area, such as fallen palm leaves. then sold to the villagers below market project and look into potential projects for not, we saw the national championship as a After some discussions, we came up rate so that they could afford it, and in 2013. SP first participated in SIFE in 2008 and has been crowned the national champion in platform to showcase our projects and the with three initiatives: herb picking, leaf turn, also build up their farming capacity. the years that they were took part - 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 - beating teams from real needs of our beneficiaries to the world weaving and goat rearing. While helping the This enabled the orphanage to earn a profit After SP, do you intend to continue the other tertiary institutions. With their recent win at the national finals, the SP SIFE and share our stories in the belief of a better villages, these initiatives also tackle some from the sales. An education centre was with social enterprise work, maybe Team will represent Singapore at the SIFE World Cup in Washington DC, United States tomorrow. environmental problems. also set up with computers donated by SP in the university or maybe start on this month. and our students trained the trainers. your own? Xiu Fang, what were some of What were the earlier projects by Marcus: SIFE has helped me understand the biggest challenges in the the teams in 2010 and 2011 about Marcus, what were the biggest more about social enterprises. Above that, I This year, the SP SIFE Team embarked on project? Were you involved in the weeks leading up to the national (Projects DKSHA and Savapur)?. lessons / takeaways from this have also learnt how to give back to society the Project Sukka Valli in India. It involves past two years? championship? Xiu Fang: DKSHA is an orphanage and in project? in other ways, and not only when I’m generating income for the villagers through Beatrice: I became involved in SIFE only Xiu Fang: Strangely, our biggest challenge order for it to be sustainable it took on the Marcus: I learned to be grateful for what involved in social enterprises. I will definitely selling goats, commercialising readily- from the end of last year. I felt that I could was finding a common time for us to role of a central negotiator in the moringa (a we have. In the communities we reached continue to try and make a difference in available herbs that grow in the area and apply what I have learnt from my course to meet and discuss. Our team is made up of plant) trade. DKSHA earns revenue as the out to, they have so little to live on and yet people’s lives. It might not necessarily be using coconut leaves to make roofs and help others as well as to learn from the other students from different courses and projects. middleman by matching buyers to the 46 remain happy. Many of us here just can’t through social enterprise though. fences. President for SP SIFE Team 2012, members in the team. We needed time to bond as a team and farms that are partnered with them. We also seem to find contentment with all that we Beatrice Ho (Diploma in Environmental adapt to each other’s working styles. introduced the cultivation of hybrid moringa have. Life is more than just studying and Who are the people that the team Management and Water Technology) and Knowing that the SIFE team has won which grows faster than the local breed. The living it out, it is also about seeing a need would like to thank for the success team members Chua Xiu Fang (Diploma in the national championship three Can you describe Project Sukka Valli farmers were also taught how to make organic and doing your best to meet that need for in the SIFE national championship? International Business) and Marcus Seah times, how did the new team cope and how this project was chosen? compost which, in the long term, is better for someone who cannot repay you. Xiu Fang: We are thankful to our teachers (Diploma in Biomedical Science) share with the pressure of maintaining the Xiu Fang: When we embarked on an the environment. We also set up an education and supporters who helped us throughout their experience in this social enterprise standard? evaluation trip for the previous SP SIFE centre consisting of a tailoring hub and a What did you think were the our journey - Ms Evelyn Louis, Ms Lee Yoke undertaking. The trip to India took place Beatrice: There was definitely a lot of Team project in India (Project DKSHA), computer centre. One of the staff at DKSHA strengths that helped the SP SIFE Ling, Dr Elangovan, Mr Song Nay Hay, Ms in April this year and immediately after, pressure during the preparation stage as we were introduced to Sukka Valli by was taught basic administrative skills so that team win the national competition? Ismawanty, Ms Valerie Wong and of course the presentation team swung into action we wanted to succeed and show everyone the director of DKSHA. Sukka Valli is a she could teach courses at the computer Marcus: Definitely our drive and our SP SIFE alumni. We are also grateful to to make their pitch at the national SIFE what we as a SIFE team had been doing. nomadic settlement which has existed for centre. The fees for the courses were marked compassion. We didn’t join SP SIFE to win all other SIFE members who have helped us championship held in June. We coped by working as a team; we generations without proper infrastructure below city price to make them affordable for the competition. We joined to help people. so much but couldn’t be on stage with us. supported, encouraged and pushed each and adequate supply of water. The the villagers; this in turn help them get better This competition gives us Beatrice, how and why did you other to do our best. villagers’ earnings were barely sufficient jobs. The tailoring centre was for women to the opportunity to gives choose to get involved in this to feed an average family of seven. Thus, learn how to tailor clothes. They have started to these communities a voice there was malnutrition everywhere. The make uniforms for nearby schools. by speaking up for them. We villagers also incurred medical and financial go to these communities to debts, causing a vicious cycle. In order At Inba Seva Sangum, an orphanage in create sustainable change. to supplement their income, the villagers Sevapur, the earlier SP SIFE Team built a We implement long term resorted to illegal logging which damaged greenhouse to grow saplings that were solutions which will benefit the balance of the ecosystem. After chosen due to their ability to adapt to the them in the long run. We conducting a needs analysis, we realised semi-arid conditions. They were cultivated ensure this by going down we could help the villagers generate income in a greenhouse to increase their survival and talking to the people and by doing three things: build infrastructure, rate in the semi-arable land. A compost understanding what they pay debts and reduce malnutrition. We production facility was also installed actually went through. The SP SIFE team that presented at the SIFE National Championship (from left): Aliff Aqid, Thamizhanban Manoharan, Chua Xiu Fang, Marcus Seah, Beatrice Ho, Ignatius SP SIFE Team in action in Sukka Valli village, India. Mario Doli Sentosa and Loke Zheng Hao.

43 Social Project

catches up with Keith Tan I’ve always been a strong Apart from the recent winning at advocate of how valuable my Startup@Singapore competition, who was a member of the very Biz Ad diploma has been. The StartNow was also nominated by first SP Team that won the Student analytical skills gleaned from IS Magazine as one of 2012’s Most the rigours of project work Promising Startups. We also got a In Free Enterprise (SIFE) National imbued in me a sharp business Special Mention at Mediacorp’s Young Championship in 2008. He gradu- sense. The course has been Entrepreneur Awards 2012 and was the ated from the Diploma in Business instrumental in implementing 2nd Runner Up at Penn Olsen’s Startups the StartNow social enterprise. in Asia Startup Arena Challenge earlier Administration (DBA) in 2009. He I was also fortunate to be this year. was in the headlines lately after part of the Entrepreneurship Concentration programme Wow… that’s quite an achievement! winning awards at the StartUp@ which was responsible for Who have come on board StartNow Singapore Competition for Start- igniting the entrepreneurship so far? spirit in me. We are working with organisations like Now, a social enterprise that he Singapore Gymnastics, Singapore Anti- started with a friend. How do you plan to grow this Narcortics Association, Blessings in a business further? Bag, Apex Harmony Lodge and Clarity Moving forward, StartNow is Singapore. Most recently, National re-evaluating our position and Kidney Foundation, Cat Welfare Society, thinking of a major revamp in Young NTUC and Rotary Foundation the next few weeks. We will be Singapore have also signed up. These Start Now was started by Keith (right) and an old friend, Ivan Chang. dropping our scope which for are among more than 120 non-profit now limits us to volunteerism organisations on our platform. donations and micro finance but little and instead be expanding to grow volunteerism, which is equally our focus to the general “social good” Ten years from now, where do you important, if not more important. In while retaining our existing volunteering see yourself? An entrepreneur? fact, in 2010, the value of volunteerism platform as one of the key prongs. Most definitely. Ten years from now, in Singapore was valued at some $1.8 After all, our vision is for people to I hope to see StartNow as the leading billion, surpassing the $1.06 billion that StartNow and get involved in solving the platform for volunteerism and social was donated in the same year. The SIFE challenges of our time. Volunteering is good in Asia, and perhaps myself still Good Start experience was a game changer for me. one of the ways but we think there are playing a key role in that organisation. It created the realisation that we could more ways we can help and we must. And of course, I hope to be a good utilise business tools to effect social architect who can also build social Keith Tan now (left picture) and back in 2008 when he was a member of the SP SIFE Team. change. This realisation started me on How much money did you and Ivan causes and not just buildings. For Now the path of social entrepreneurship pump in to start this? which led to the creation of Start Now. We got a nice funding of $50,000 from For information on Start Now, Spring Singapore and a matching amount visit startnow.sg, facebook.com/ And The Future What about your Business of $13,800 was also injected into it startnow.sg or contact keith@ What are you doing now Keith? Singapore International Foundation’s create deeper employee engagement. Administration diploma course? Did at the beginning. We have been very startnow.sg. After national service, I joined National Young Social Entrepreneurs Programme Our platform allows businesses the modules play a part in how you fortunate also to be able to raise funds University of Singapore (NUS) as an which mentors and seeds young social to connect their employees with shape this startup? from several business plan competitions. architecture student. But even before enterprises. volunteering opportunities and also track joining NUS, I was also busy with a new and assess the impact of volunteering startup called StartNow which I started That’s a cool $33,000 in all. So what activities across their organisation. with an old friend Ivan Chang. have you guys done to the money? We re-invested it back into our start-up. That sounds like a really cool idea. Yeah, we heard you won some good How did this volunteerism thing come money with StartNow. How did StartNow come about? about in you? Did your involvement Haha…yes. We came in first for the new We started with a desire to grow with SP SIHE play a part? Social Enterprise / Cooperative category volunteerism here in Singapore and in I was involved in the marketing for the which came with $15,000 cash prize. We Asia. StartNow is a social enterprise for SP SIFE Team during my SP days and were named second overall for the Open non-profit organisations and they are at that was in itself a form of volunteerism Category that gave us another $7,000, the core of what we do. We also provide in the social enterprise arena. Ivan and I and then another $1,000 for the People’s an enterprise solution for businesses that wanted to focus this area because when Choice of the Day. Most recently, seek to leverage the power of corporate we looked at the social sector here, The StartNow team visited rural villages in Thailand we won $10,000 in seed grant at the volunteering to build their brands and we saw a lot being done in the area of and also studied the different social enterprises there Another visit by the team to a rural village in Buriram, as part of the Singapore International Foundation Thailand, to understand how micro finance under the Young Social Entrepreneurs Programme (SIF YSE). Village Development bank program was implemented.

45 Stunning Pictures

attended some talks on the technical What are some of the good films you aspects of filming. watched recently? My recent favourite is Flowers of War by You also won an award at the Very Zhang Yi Mou. It has a very intense feel If Alvin Lee had been a straight Short International Film Festival to it. As student back in his days in Chung (VSIFF) this year? Cheng High School (Yishun), he Yeah, it was for Timeline, my three- We all know film-making is a struggle minute short film. I won the top prize, at the beginning, are your parents wouldn’t have become the budding the Grand Prix Award at the VSIFF in supportive towards your passion? film-maker he is today. catches Singapore. After that, Timeline was the Oh yes, they are very supportive and I’m up with the Diploma in Digital Media only Singapore short film selected for really thankful to them. I always bring graduate and current national service competition at the Festival International them along to my screenings and those des Tres Courts in France. I came in 4th film competition ceremonies. Family is man who in one year won two major for Audience Award. I just got another my first priority and I want them to be a Turning the Awards for his works. piece of good new recently. The film part of the whole journey. praying wheel was also shortlisted for the prestigious in the temple. Sapporo International Short Film Chinese opera, a subject that Festival and I will be flying there soon. often intrigues Another film called “I Can’t Hear” also Alvin. won a merit prize at the Sound Out: Start Short, 60-second Video Contest. You also won a big award for your Aim Long other love, photography. I have been meddling with photography since my SP days. In the past, I love to shoot in colour and still objects. But now I prefer to shoot people in black and white. I was one of the top eight winners in the National Will you do commercial or art-house You chose SP as your first choice after distinctions and As for those subjects Geographic Young Photographer Award type movies? your ‘O’ levels. Why was that? that I really liked, such as Storytelling this year. The winners went to Bali It’s okay to do some commercial films (Laughs…..). I tell you the truth. I wasn’t and Storyboarding, Visual and Audio for a photography trip with Jino Lee, for money, and then we can invest the sure what I wanted. But the people Fundamentals, Digital Composing and the resident photography instructor money in films that you really want to Little boy with his balloon in around me all kept telling me to join SP Matting and CG Effects Studio. I even with Canon. I prefer black-and-white make. The money spent on film-making Chinatown. because they said it’s the best poly. My scored a perfect GPA for my second year because of the “primal” feel to it; and I is not the most important; parents, uncles, aunties, friends…. My because I had an interest in the modules can also isolate the expressions of my it’s the dedication and Screen shot of Alvin’s winning sister is now in SP doing Creative Media offered. But when they threw in things like subjects better. passion for the subject short film, Design (Editor: now renamed Visual media law and maths, I suffered…haha… you are working on. Timeline. Communication and Media Design). Let’s go back to films. Who are your So what was memorable in your three movie heroes? What are your plans Okay, they gave you very good advice. years at SP? Someone once told me that there are after national service? Then why choose the Diploma in Digital The third year – working on the final-year three kinds of film directors. The first are I will be applying to study Media DDM)? project with my team mates. We learned those who are very creative and stylistic film directing at the Beijing Simply because I just didn’t want anything a lot about team work. For the first time, like Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs, Film Academy. It’s not that has a lot of textbooks. I don’t exactly we had to really get out there in a team Pulp Fiction). The second are the epic going to be easy because like maths and science, or textbooks. Not to get the work done. It was due to team The vibrant blue scarf and purple top caught Alvin’s attention in the dark wet market in Kintamani, Bali. He types who direct blockbusters like Peter every year about 100,000 that I failed those subjects; I passed them. work that we produced a good short film was actually chasing another lady for a shot until he Jackson (Lord of the Rings, King Kong). people will apply and they only take Note: The modules in Diploma in But I didn’t want to study them again. I and I got nominated and then selected realised that she was laughing just beside me, so he shot her. (National Geographic Young Photographer The third group puts a lot of emotions in 600. Otherwise, I will start working Digital Media are now offered in read about DDM from the website and for the first Sony-SP I.C.E Award. Award Trip, Bali). in their films, like Martin Scorsese in film production and learn from the two separate courses – Diploma it seemed like a buffet spread. It offered (Editor’s note: This annual Award is (Gangs of New York, The Departed). My experienced directors. I will continue in Digital Animation and Diploma stuff like 3D, filming, programming, given to graduating students who show What did you gain at the NAB? favourite is the late and legendary Akira to make more short films to gain in Visual Effects and Motion website design. A lot of job options. great potential. The two winners in 2011 I actually enjoyed more than I learned…. Kurosawa. To me, he is a combination experience. In the long run, I definitely Graphics. Visit www.sp.edu.sg/ earned an all-expenses paid trip to attend haha! But it was really cool stuff, the of the three. He is simply great in all want to produce my own full length schools/dmit for details. You did pretty well in the end, scoring a the National Association of Broadcasting latest videography technology and aspects of film directing, from camera films. respectable GPA. (NAB) Show in Las Vegas. equipment. Big name film companies movement to cinematography. Well if you look at my results, I scored showcased their upcoming works. I also

47 S P. News Singapore's 1st Poly SP. News 02

Singapore Polytechnic 500 Dover Road Singapore 139651 Copyright © 2012 All Rights Reserved. SP Students Win 32 Out Of 45 Recognition By Motorola Two second-year students from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) - Tan Sze BCA Scholarships Meng (Diploma in Engineering with Business - DEB) and Terence Teo Boon Chiat (Diploma in Electrical and A whopping 71% of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)-Industry Built Environment Electronic Engineering - DEEE) are the new recipients of Scholarship launched last year was awarded to current SP students. Of the 45 recipients, 32 of them are the Motorola Scholarships. The scholarships are given now current SP students. to students who have achieved outstanding academic The scholarship aims to nurture outstanding youth who aspire to lead and shape the future of results and are also active in CCA and community Singapore’s built environment. Under this scheme, the 32 students will get their course fees waived and service. also receive a monthly allowance of up to $900. After they complete their studies, they can also opt for a Sze Meng is a key member of the SP Red Cross post-diploma development phase which comes with on-the-job training and further study opportunities Youth Chapter and she has volunteered her services for with the companies that sponsor them. charities like the Red Cross Home for the Disabled and Says Wong WeiYu from the Diploma in Civil Engineering: “It has always been my ambition to be the St Lukes’ Elderly Care Centre. In EEE, she is an an engineer, to build structures that are safe for people to live, work and play in. This scholarship not Assistant Class Leader and a Group Leader for student only provides me with financial incentives but more importantly an opportunity to gain engineering Tan Sze Meng helpers for her School’s Orientation Programme this experiences at Swee Hong (a leading civil engineering firm founded in 1962). and Terence Teo, year. She also played a key role in the International winners of the The 32 scholarship holders come from five diploma courses that are key to the built environment Motorola Scholar- Students’ Freshmen Orientation Programme. industry – Architecture (DARCH), Landscape Architecture (DLA), Civil Engineering with Business ships for 2012. Terence loves sports and is the Sports Secretary (DCEB), Hotel and Leisure Facilities Management (DHLFM) and Mechanical Engineering (DME). for SP Daiko Drummers. Besides performing with the The winners of the BCA-Industry Built Environment Scholarship 2012 are: Daiko group at several SP events, he also helps to organise sports activities for the members to build team spirit as well as stamina for performances. Terence also From DARCH: Abdullah Bin Hashim, Aslam Bin Salim, Barcome JBrien Cezar, Joseph Samuel Chan, contributes to his School by participating in the SP Engineering Show 2012. He also volunteered his services in a recycling project to raise money for the EEE Chey Yi Ting, Chung Er Pei, Derrick Chua, Evangelina Ong, Joy Heng, Ho Cheng An, Ho Ming, Hu Needy Fund. Anni, Lin Ken Yin, Ngan Cheuk Heng, Nick Koh, Ong Zhen Hong and Tan Se Yong. The bond-free Motorola Scholarships is worth $2,500. As recipients, Sze Meng and Terence have a competitive edge when they seek employment with From DLA: Indra Faridzuan Bin Runzi. From DCEB: Alexandra Larissa, Chan Jing Ting, Lee Mei Motorola as their achievements are already in the technology giant’s Talent Search Database. Wong Weiyu is one of the pioneer recipients of the new Shuang, Prissy Poh, Wang Meihong, Wang Zhen Min, Wong Weiyu. From DHLFM: Ho Xin Ping, Lee BCA-Industry Built Environment Diploma Scholarship for Xue Ting, Jasmine Ngoh, Tay Zhi Qian, Jeremy Teo Zhen Kang and Yesmeen Yeo. For their excellence in sports, four SP students have been awarded the Peter Lim polytechnic students. From DME: Muhd Yasier Bin Mohd Sahair. Scholarships. They are Illyas Lee (Diploma in Aerospace in Electronics and footballer), Rewards For Muhd Amirul Asyrat Bin Abdul Aziz (Diploma in Mechatronics and Robotics and hockey player), Ernest Chua (Diploma in Biomedical Science and fencer) and Yeu Sporting Excellence Czech Den (Diploma in Mechatronics and Robotics and handball player). They were awarded under the Tertiary category which comes with a $3,000 value. Diploma in Pioneer Hotel and Leisure Facilities Management student and sailor Audrey Yong received $10,000 for her scholarship under the High Performance category. Audrey and Ernest have much in common. Both of them received the Peter Lim Scholarship for the second time and were also crowned SP Sports Scholars for 2012. Coincidentally, both of them also won second LTA Award placing in their respective sporting event at the last SEA Games held in Indonesia. Over the past years, they have competed in Recipients numerous overseas competitions that brought them to places like Bangkok, New York, Seoul, Perth and Pattaya. The Land Transport Authority has generously sponsored Established in 2010, the Peter Lim Scholarship aims to $12,000 to recognise top engineering students in SP. Called the help promising young athletes achieve their goals in sports LTA Engineering Awards, they were given out for the first time performance by supporting their pursuit in sports. by the organisation and exclusively to SP. Each award comes with a cash prize of $2,000 and an industrial attachment opportunity Ernest (left) and Audrey are recipients of both the SP Sports Scholarship and the Peter Lim Scholarship. with the LTA. Two students each from the Diplomas in Civil Engineering with Business (DCEB), Electrical and Electronic Engineering (DEEE) and Mechanical Engineering (DME) who excelled in their Business Students Clinch Dairy Farm Awards course of study have been selected for the inaugural awards. They A management career with one of the biggest companies in retail are Wong Weiyu and Elaine Tan from DCEB, Winston Seetoh business right after graduation would be a dream come true for two final- and Tan Kah Xuan from DEEE and Muhd Khairul Bin Jamil year Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) students. and Leong Hei Kern from DME. They were the top first and Lim Xing Yi and Rachel Soon have been awarded newly commissioned second year students from their respective courses during for the scholarships by the Dairy Farm Group, a listed company whose retail academic year 2011-2012. operations include well-known brands like Cold Storage, 7-11 and The awards were given out at the School of Architecture and Guardian. They will receive a cash award of $5,000 and will go through a The first batch of LTA Engineering the Built Environment (ABE) Prize Presentation Ceremony. At Award recipients are (clockwise two-year management trainee programme. Both will have to serve a one- the event, outstanding ABE students were also presented with from extreme left): Wong Weiyu, year bond with the company. Leong Hei Kern, Muhd Khairul, awards and scholarships offered by external organisations that Winston Seetoh, Tan Kah Xuan and Xing Yi’s specialisation in her Business Administration course is in Elaine Tan. include Hilton, Public Utilities Board and Kumpulan Architects, Xing Yi (left) and Rachel will start their careers Retail Management and International Trade and Business, while Rachel in addition to those sponsored by the School. with Dairy Farm right after graduation. chose the Tourism and Public Relations and Advertising option.

03 SP. News 04

The 47th National Day Parade (NDP) came and went but memories Wiping Out Drugs Working Behind of it will remain for a long time in the minds of students from the School A mosaic wall made with phone wipes was SP’s event management students and lecturer- of Digital Media and Infocomm the centre of attraction at the launch of the in-charge posing in front of the backdrop formed by thousands of phone wipes. The Scenes For NDP Technology. Skills learned from Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign 2012 at The Cathay their modules were put to the test in Cineleisure. The annual event is organised to several projects. commemorate the International Day against Five students from the Diploma Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known in Digital Media (DDM) were tasked as the World Drug Day. to develop and manage the web The idea was conceptualised by final-year portal for the LovingSG: One Heart, SP students taking the Diploma in Integrated One Voice project. It involved Event and Project Management (DEPM). They splicing the videos of Singaporeans led eight other schools, altogether numbering singing the national anthem into 260 student volunteers, to distribute the phone a harmonious virtual choir which wipes to the public over three days. These were premiered on the parade day itself. then mounted on a wall at the launch. Calling themselves MediaGenix, This was the second year that SP’s DEPM they were also in charge of students collaborated with the National Council developing the web portal for this Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) and the Central project and running a social media Narcotics Bureau (CNB) to put together marketing campaign to promote it. activities for this year’s campaign. Besides the Digital Media students behind the Virtual Choir and social It was no easy task, as student launch event, the students also organised road media campaign (from left): Jackie Tan, Jasmine Bay, Tracy Jackie Tan put it: “It was a challenge shows at public venues to spread the anti-drug Yu and Geraldine Tan; Not in picture is Wong Kok Fai. getting people to submit videos of message which carried the theme “Life Does themselves singing the national anthem online as Singaporeans tend to be Not Rewind. Make The Right Choice’. more camera-shy compared to the rest of the world. But we had a fun time

SP students in action at doing the project and also a great way to experience the industry in this Music Matters Live 2012. manner.” Another team of students also from the Diploma in Digital Media was SP Students Publish Paper In tasked to heighten awareness and garner support for a new NDP initiative - Building a LovingSG, which is also a donation drive. They created an Earlier this year, SPirit last reported that animation video that was aired on national TV and also the web pages for International Journal two SP civil engineering graduates from Class this project. of 2011 published a paper in an international Team leader Tan Swee Min shared, “It was a very good experience of scientific journal. Hot on their heels are two fresh the real world. As a lot of people from different companies were involved, SP graduates from the Diploma in Environmental we had to obtain approval from many parties before executing our plans. Management and Water Technology (DEWT) who Through this, we learned how to work with people.” published a journal paper in the international You can still watch the creations of these DDM students on the NDP Journal of Water Sustainability (Vol. 1, Issue 3, Official Website at www.ndp.org.sg. Dec. 2011: 313- 322). Daphne Low and Kenneth Lim, together with their lecturer Dr Handojo Djati Utomo, published Thanks to a partnership with production company The Deck, SP the paper titled “Correlation between Turbidity students from the Diploma in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics (DVEMG) and Total Suspended Solids in Singapore Rivers”. delivered live video recordings of the event via YouTube, the Official Festival The paper started with a compilation of three Broadcast Partner, to thousands of viewers around the world. years of class assignments in the water supply Second-year DVEMG student Shawn Ang recalled the experience: module that culminated in a poster presentation “Kudos to the cameramen who sweat it out amidst the crowd of contest at the 4th International Conference photographers and media, as well as struggling with crazy fans out there on Challenges in Environmental Science and rooting for the Korean performers.” Engineering held in Taiwan last year. Thereafter, Another team of students from the Diploma in Music and Audio they were invited to propose a full article for Music Matters Technology (DMAT) produced an audio recording and dedicated broadcast publication in the Journal which was founded mix of the performances, supervised by their lecturer, Geoffrey Low. by University of Technology, Sydney and the “It was really great! I got first hand insights into my future working Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology. To Them environment. I experienced the broadcasting side of major music festival After peer review and amendments, the paper was What more could they ask for? Students from two diploma courses works and also learned from the people from DVEMG which I enjoyed very finally published. under the School of Digital Media and Infocomm Technology had the much. Now I know this could be something I might possibly be doing a few As research papers in international journals rare chance to work with international music professionals at Music years from now,” said Bryan Tsao, a second-year DMAT student. are usually published only by university professors Matters Live 2012, an event under the All That Matters Music and And nothing beats being recognised for their efforts. The students were Kenneth Lim and Daphne Low with Dr or post graduate students, SP students have scored Digital Conference held in Singapore. Dubbed as Asia’s celebration of credited in the Music Matters Live press release which stated “A big shout Handojo (middle) jointly published a paper in an international journal. a major coup for having published papers in three live music, the three-day event at Clarke Quay brought together more out goes to the students of Singapore Polytechnic for their assistance in international journals. than 40 international and local music acts. production – a first for Music Matters Live!” 05 SP. News 06

Chua Si Hao(DIT), Kenneth Ho Chee Chong (DIT), Jason Sim Meng Kiat(DIT), Nicholas Toh Zuan Jie Medals They Think (DISM) with lecturer Low Jin Kiat. And They For Skills SP engineering and design students clinched two Silvers, four Bronzes and two Medallions for Win Excellence at the recently concluded WorldSkills Singapore2012. The competition is held biennially Three recent graduates (Chua Si Hao, Kenneth to discover the best in talents among the Singapore Diploma in Information Ho, Jason Sim) from the youth. Billed as the Olympics of Skills, the event Technology (DIT) and another (Nicholas Toh) from symbolises the pinnacle of excellence in skilled Diploma in Infocomm Security Management the trades and technologies training. (DISM) teamed up to take part in ThinkQuest, an The winners competed in the categories of international competition that challenges students Electronics, Mechanical Engineering Design to solve problems using technology. The team Team Orion from SP (from left): Go – CAD, CNC Milling, Industrial Control and submitted an entry in the Application Development Kee Chin, Jeremy Heng, Yang Xudong and Han Xingjie. Graphic Design Technology. A big round of category. applause for the winners! They could only try their best and dared not think of winning as they had to compete with Silver Medalists: nearly 5,600 other entries from students all over shortage of volunteers. Hence, we did some research and realised that this is one of the major problems Cyber Defence Champion • Lee Zheng Hao, Diploma in Aerospace faced by many voluntary welfare organisations in Singapore. Now, with just a smartphone or computer, we Electronics the world. Their entry titled Frevol Friends (short At the Cyber Defender Discovery Camp (CDDC) organised by the Ministry of Defence, a SP can rally friends to volunteer anytime.” • Tan Huang Jie, Diploma in Mechanical for Friends Volunteer Friends) is a web and mobile Team emerged champions in the Institution of Higher Education category, beating a combined team Their prize package consists of a laptop and a trip to the United States to visit ThinkQuest Live, a five- Engineering application that harnesses social media technology from National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University into second place. The day event hosted by the Oracle Education Foundation in the San Francisco Bay Area. The event includes and peer influence to connect volunteers with participants were given 12 hours to identify loopholes in a fictitious company’s servers and devise solutions workshops, social events, sightseeing excursions and a ThinkQuest Awards Dinner. Lecturer Low Jin Kiat, Bronze Medalists: organisations and provide a convenient way for to plug those gaps. While this was on-going, their scores would be flashed on screens set up in a hall in the mentor for the group, is also invited to the trip. • Belvin Tan, Leonard Hoe and Xu Weijie - friends to encourage other friends to participate in Singapore Science Centre, where the camp was held. Another SP team clinched the third prize in the same category and walked away with a laptop. Diploma in Mechanical Engineering charitable work together. It impressed the judges Calling themselves Team Orion, the four final-year students from the Diploma in Infocomm Security Their entry EL-Green is an automation and energy management system that helps households to • Norpurwanti Bte Susanto, Diploma in enough to award them the second prize. Management (DISM) - Yang Xudong, Jeremy Heng, Goh Kee Chin and Han Xingjie, had a roller coaster reduce electricity consumption and minimise energy wasted due to human negligence. Electrical & Electronic Engineering Team member Jason explains why they built this ride to reach the top. At one point, they ended up with a negative score and were in the second last position. This team comprises DIT fresh graduates Teo Jin Yuan, Chi Kok Pin, Lim Jun Yi, Linus Lim, Ong Wei app: “As a regular volunteer with an organisation With an adventurous spirit, a mixture of luck, experience and skills, they fought till the end and walked Xiang and Wu Chia Sheng (Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering - DEEE) Medallions for Excellence: called FaithActs, I realised that there is always a away with $10,000 of shopping vouchers. • Darius Ou, Diploma in Visual Altogether, three SP teams took part in the competition. Although the other two teams did not win, Communications and Media Design their cyber-fighting spirit was commendable. They were Team Lynx (Tan Jun Xiang, Edmund Teo, Gabriel • Goh Min Qin, Diploma in Mechanical Li and Ian Tan) and Team Octans (Chua Wei Kiat, Goh Xue Yu, Maverick Yong and Lim Jun Liang). Understanding Geospatial Technology Engineering

Two SP teams of final-year students from the School of Digital Media and Infocomm Technology Competing returned from the Spatial Challenge competition with two major Awards. Organised by the Singapore With PhD Land Authority, the competition aims to encourage the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in schools and raise awareness on geospatial Candidates technology among students. Two second-year students from the Diploma in The Fervent Studio team comprising five Materials Science (DMLS) repeated the winning feat at students from the Diploma in Information the annual Young Persons’ Lecture Competition Singapore Technology (DIT) clinched the Excellent Report (YPLCS) by clinching the 1st and 3th runner up prizes. The and the Best Presentation Awards in the Tertiary competition, open to students and professionals below the GIS Application category. For their excellence, they age of 28, is organised by the Institute of Materials (East won a total of $3,000 in cash prize. Their entry Asia). Participants, ranging from polytechnic students to involves an interactive iOS application that allows PhD candidates, had to deliver a short lecture on a materials- users to view the history and culture of Singapore. related subject. Another team named SP Gissers won $2,000 for Vivian Wee and Low Li Quan with Low Li Quan won the 1st runner up prize with her topic clinching the Outstanding Data Collection Award their lecturer and supporter. Carbon Nanotubes in Sports (Badminton) while Vivian Wee in the Tertiary GIS Analysis category. Hui Wen came in 4th for her presentation on Materials for At the same competition last year, fresh DIT Spectacles Frames. In 2011, Melvyn Ang and Melvin Ng, also DLMS students, both emerged third place graduate Gordon Lee and his team mates won the winners at the same competition. Top Prize in the Tertiary Category. The competition The total prize money of $400 was small when compared to the invaluable experience gained. “The has piqued his interest in GeoSpatial Information competition gave me a positive experience about research and presentation which will be useful for my Fervent Studio members are (from Worldskills 2012 Silver and Bronze winners: Front row left): Letitia Justina Leong Si En, Wee and Technology and he is now interning with future projects,” said Li Quan. from left: Norpurwanti, Lee Zheng Hao, Tan Huang Jie, Tan Gui Jun, Emily Lim, Lim Yi Kai and Quantum Inventions, a company that provides next “We started from zero and it was a really difficult process getting a lecture presentation done. Wei Liang Belvin; Back row from left: Leonard Hoe Jin Han Wong Tse Kang. generation dynamic navigation systems. Nevertheless I enjoyed the journey throughout and it has become my most memorable experience I had in and Xu Weijie. SP so far,” added Vivian. 07 SP. News 08 Business Management Champs

Forgive the SP Business School if they have lost count of the number of times their students and alumni have won the championship for the annual National Management Competition organised by the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM). It is designed as a management game to provide business students the chance to practise corporate planning and managerial decision- Winning teams: Left picture: First prize winners (from left) Irni Susiyanti Bte Jamal, Noor Arinah Bte Ahmad, Sofiana Bte Ramli making. and Laurina Tay; Right picture: Second prize winners (from left) Mok Cui Tian, Daphne Ho, Rebekah Toh and Lee Ru Ting. Participants were put in as-good-as-real business scenarios and they The SP student and alumni teams won five prizes, including the top prize, at the National Management Competition. The winning team is led by SP alumnus Tan Zhong Jie represented their “companies” in making key decisions. (front row, second from right). Our Green Videos Three teams comprising current students from the Diploma in Business and Finance (DBF) and another two teams made up of recent graduates from the alumni team has won the open business strategy competition. Video production is not a module for students taking the Diploma in theme ‘Singapore: A Climate Change Resilient City’ and also explain the cause same course pitted their business skills against more than 50 teams from other For the record, DBF student teams had won the tertiary category six years Diploma in Integrated Events and Project Management (DEPM), but that and effects of climate change, and how individuals could fight climate change by tertiary institutions. in a row from 2004 to 2009 before SIM combined the tertiary and corporate did not stop some of them from competing in a video competition. reducing their carbon footprint. Topping the business strategy competition was a DBF 2010 alumni team category into an open competition in 2010. Two teams of DEPM students won the first and second prizes at the There were altogether 126 entries from students who competed in four led by Tan Zhong Jie while another alumni team led by a DBF 2012 alumni Zhong Jie and team members won a cash prize of $6,000 and will represent Short Film (Tertiary) category of the National Climate Change Competition categories determined by educational levels. The winning SP teams received their Low Zi Jie took the third prize. This is the third consecutive year that a DBF Singapore in the Asian Management Game to be held in Hong Kong. (NCCC), an initiative by the National Climate Change Secretariat’s (under the awards and prize money ($2,000 for first prize and $1,500 for second prize) from Prime Minister’s Office) to raise awareness and to encourage individual action Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean at the National Climate Change Youth on climate change among youth. They had to submit videos that reflect on the Conference held recently. Consecutive Green Coffee Boys The name Coffee Boys sounds like a boyband but they are capable of Win At more than belting out pop tunes. Lim Chin Haow, Saw Kay Heng and Fu Jia Jun, all final year students Fedex from the Diploma in Environmental Management and Water Technology (DEWT), have come up with a winning idea to recycle rain water. At the Green Engine competition, they won the first prize of $1,000 for Competition their solution to remove metal ions in rain water using coffee residue and mixed filtration so that the water can be recycled for other use. The competition is Screen grabs of the two winning videos produced by SP students. organised by the Environmental Science and Engineering Department in the Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) students Yap Jun Yuan National University of Singapore. Through the competition, the organiser (left in picture) and Rusli Yanto repeated the feat of their seniors by hopes there will be new ideas for innovative water or waste-water management Gang Up To coming in first at the annual FedEx International Trade Challenge methods that will ultimately enhance the quality of life of Singaporeans. 2012. As champs, they won the right to represent Singapore at the Besides Coffee Boys, another two all-girl teams of DEWT students Regional Challenge to be held in Hong Kong soon. calling themselves Aqua Gaia and Duo Pooh clinched the second and third Make Videos They scored winning points with an interesting idea of converting prizes of $250 each at the competition. Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media (DTVM) students shipping containers to earthquake-safe houses in high-risk area in Kenneth Wong, Josiah Tan, Nathaniel Hong, Liu Zhengteng and Gayathiri Taiwan. To make these containers attractive to the locals, the team Chandramohan have never gotten involved in gangs but they sure know how even added feng shui elements to their design. to dissuade other youth from doing so. They ganged up to submit an entry Said Rusli, “Jun Yuan and I spent many sleepless nights to finalise titled It’s Not Worth It for the Say No To Gangs video competition organised our proposal and presentation. I cherish very much this unique by the Clementi Police Division, National Crime Prevention council and Delta experience of tackling the challenges for this intense competition. We League. Their convincing script won them the Best Storyline prize of $1,000. are proud to be able to represent SP at the regional competition!” The video started out as a school assignment but the team thought it was good Team mate Jun Yuan added: “I still find it unbelievable that we enough to join the competition. have made it to the top three. Another team comprising students from the Diploma in Business Information This entire experience is just awesome! It was definitely a great Technology (DBIT) won the Viewer’s Choice Award for their entry Uncle Gabby exposure for us, uniquely different from what we have experienced in in the same competition and walked away with $500 in cash prize. They are school.” Khine Phoo Wai, Lee Chern Chow, Del Mundo Lara Patricia Silang, Jeremy Last year, Darren Ong and Lee Qi Ni, also from DBA, paired up Eng and Nurellisya Bte Mohd Sahdon. In case you wonder how IT students to win the national title and emerged second at the regional finals. Winning teams: Front row: Coffee Boys members (from left) Lim Chin Haow, Fu Jiajun and know about video making? Well, thanks to the Audio and Video Fundamentals Both of them graduated this year and have secured places in local Saw Kay Heng; Back row (from left): Aqua Gaia members Brenda Ong, Elaine Sam, Jocelyn module that they took. universities. Qi Ni has even clinched a scholarship for her business Lim and Alice Kho; Duo Pooh members Ong Xi Chun and Sophia Lin. You can catch the short videos on Youtube (search under TheDeltaLeague). degree at Nanyang Technological University. 09 SP. News 10

Adhianto Suherli Lie, Vithya Krishnan, Nur Syazwani Binte Mohd Salim Rising To The Challenge and their project supervisor, lecturer Woo Wee Hong. Each year, SP freshies raise a substantial sum of money for the President’s Challenge at the annual Flag Day. We did more this year. A team of students produced a video to raise awareness and promote volunteerism for the President’s Challenge Volunteer Drive 2012. The challenge to produce the video came from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS). The video, sponsored by SMRT, is now shown on iViewSMRT screens at all MRT stations. The team comprised project leader Muhammad Ridhwan Bin Mahadi and Mohamad Kamal Shah Bin Mohamad Ali, both final-year students from the Diploma in Computer Engineering (DCPE) and SP Videography Club; Lee Han Jie, a second-year DCPE student and Quek Wee Keong, second-year, Diploma in Business Information Technology (DBIT) student, from the SP Interactive Media Club. They faced a big challenge in selecting suitable content from a massive collection of video Digital game wizards Marcus Lee (left) and Lee Yang receiving their footages and photos of past events. As the video was only one minute long, the team had to pick top prize from Mr Moses Lee, Commissioner of IRAS. and choose quickly and yet keep a creative eye for visuals that would capture the hearts of viewers. Nevertheless, the project was great exposure for them as experiential learning came into play and they applied their know-how from their course modules. Being a real-life project, there certainly Winning Money was pressure for them to deliver and meet the client’s expectations.

The video was much-liked by MCYS which further commissioned them to produce an extended From The Taxman The team of final year DEWT version which will include shots of volunteers in action. This version will be screened at the students with their lecturer, The recent Inter-school Online Game Design upcoming President’s Challenge “Thank You Reception” at the Istana this month. Space Research Dr. Handojo (far right), at the Competition, organised by the Inland Revenue Authority Royal Automobile Club of Vic- of Singapore (IRAS), found a winning team made up of toria, venue for CESE 2012. two recent SP graduates. Lee Yang and Marcus Lee, both Wins Award from the Diploma of Information Technology (DIT), Three final-year Diploma in Biomedical Science (DBS) were encouraged by their lecturer Mr Ronnie Peh to enter students won $2,500 at the Singapore Space Challenge Pursuit Of Water Purity the competition, as the school believed the competition 2012 Award in the Biomedical Science category for their In September, eight final-year Diploma in Environmental Management and Water Technology was a good opportunity for them to apply what they have project Effect of Microgravity in Tissue Regeneration. (DEWT) students went with their lecturer, Dr Handojo Djati Utomo, to participate in the 5th learnt. The competition was organised by the Singapore Space International Conference on Challenges in Environmental Science and Engineering (CESE 2012). The competition hoped to promote awareness of and Technology Association to inspire interest amongst Held in Melbourne, Australia, CESE 2012 was attended by approximately 200 participants, taxation among the youth while allowing students to tertiary-level students in space-related issues. Through including professors, researchers and PhD students. They won a Group Special Award for their showcase their creativity and programming skills. the competition, the participants explored engineering Said Lee Yang, who specialised in game development presentations on the theme of Sustainable Catchment Management (i.e. research dealing with concepts and designs when coming out with solutions to for his course: “We developed the game based on the water treatment and catchment methods such as reservoirs). space challenges. experience we gained from our DIT course. For example, Student Sophia Lim said: “One year of hard work totally paid off. All those group The team was thankful that they chose the Biomedical the inspiration for the game design originated from our discussions till nearly midnight, rushing of reports and power point slides, returning to school Research option that exposed them to a broad range of topics final-year project.” The duo won a $5,000 cash prize for every single day during the holidays to complete experiments... It was really worth it!” in research areas and also critical analysis of journal articles. the excellent effort. Kay Heng added: “This conference gave us the opportunity to see what the industry is Their research skills helped them to find answers independently focusing on. These are experiences that we could not get from the classroom. I’m really happy SP students responsible for developing the President’s Challenge The winning games were launched on the IRAS’ 20th video (from left) Lee Han Jie, Quek Wee Keong, Muhd Ridhwan Anniversary Microsite and you can play them at iras20th. in a more complete way. For this competition, they explored that we won something and that our hard work was recognised. Special thanks to Dr Handojo Bin Mahadi and Mohd Kamal Shah Bin Mohamad Ali. sg/online-games. several ideas on how experiments in space can be relevant to who put in an enormous amount of effort to prepare us for this conference.” healthcare. The weekly oral presentations in their second-year The students also got the chance to visit Melbourne universities and tour Bendigo, a nearby curriculum also helped tremendously in giving them confidence mining region. They also witnessed the inner workings of the water treatment industry by Ellvixson’s watch design was inspired by the old clock hanging at the Tanjong Pagar Railway when they presented at the competition. visiting the Sandhurst Water Treatment Plant and the Epsom Water Recycling Factory. A Clock On A Watch Station (below). Final-year Diploma in Experience Product and Design (DXPD) student Ellvixson Yap was named the winner in the Azimuth Watch Design competition. This is the second year that the luxury watch manufacturer organised this event Amazing where members of the public and tertiary institutions submit designs of a watch to commemorate Singapore’s 47th national day. Entries had to depict the significance of the Singaporean identity – on a personal and national level Exhibit – and combine this significance together with Azimuth’s tradition of avant- garde designs in their submissions. The competition was supported by the Diploma in Electrical and Electronic (DEEE) students DesignSingapore Council. Park So Yeon, Alvin Koh and Ahmad Fareed received a The ‘Singapore Heritage’ watch designed by Ellvixson stood out from Special Mention prize at the Amazing Science-X Challenge more than 40 entries in the tertiary category. He won based on the design’s 2012. Organised by DSO National Laboratories , National simple nationalistic concept and design attractiveness. For that, he bagged a University of Singapore and Science Centre Singapore, the cash prize of $500 and an Azimuth Round-1 Back In Time watch worth $2,300. Ellvixson revealed that his design inspiration came from the now defunct competition saw more than 140 teams from local tertiary He also bagged SGD 1,000 for SP Design School, Azimuth’s way of rewarding Tanjong Pagar Railway Station: “I was inspired by the roman-numeral clock institutions competing for top recognition for their ideas the school for its support in cultivating budding design talent in Singapore. that can be seen on the exterior of the building. The beautifully oxidized of a scientific exhibit. Participants had to design and build 47 pieces of Ellvixson’s winning design will be manufactured and sold as an clock no longer functions but still stands on the edge of the building. It bears a stand-alone science exhibit that best explains a physical Azimuth limited edition National Day watch in Azimuth boutiques, retailing at sentimental value along with the combination of European, Islamic and science phenomenon. Calling themselves Team InSPire, the Park So Yeon and Alvin Koh showing off their Special Mention medals a price of $2,012. Oriental architecture. Such artistic value should not be lost to oblivion.” team took home a $400 cash prize and medals. 11 SP. News 12

A creative and marketable idea by a team of Business School students won them the second prize and the Best Young And Bright in Digital Marketing and Social Media title at the Youth Dive For Success Entrepreneurs Competition. Organised by the Singapore Be it the sky or the sea, he is ready to challenge either. As a Discovery Centre (SDC), the competition aims to instil Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (DARE) student, he is also Entrepreneurs lateral thinking amongst youth to turn challenges into prepared for a career in the sky. The water is familiar territory to opportunities. Participants also have to demonstrate how to him as he takes frequent dives. harness on digital marketing and social media to generate Meet Timothy Lee who recently did Singapore proud by interest and sales for their products and services. finishing first in two categories at the Macau International Diving Space Team is made up of five second and third-year International - the Open Men 3m Springboard and the Open Men students from the Diploma in Business Administration 3m Synchronised Springboard. The latter was achieved with his (DBA). They are also members of the SP’s Business School’s twin brother, Mark. This achievement adds to Timothy’s string Entrepreneurial Leadership Club. Their business idea was of successes this year at other diving competitions that include to use beads to make attractive hand-made accessories such the 1st Southeast Asian Swimming Championship, the Thailand as keychain, fridge magnets and photo frames. They made Open and the 2nd International School Diving Championship. about $1,540 in sales, which included a $750 seeding fund as Not bad for this young lad who dived (pardon the pun!) a finalist. All the money was donated to charity through the into diving only in 2009. Now, he is aiming to be the best in his SDC. league. He makes clear his intention: “I aspire to compete well on Team Han Yi Xiu spoke about the experience, “We were the international platform, against better and more experienced initially stumped for ideas before someone started on the divers. I want to achieve the highest possible level of excellence topic of beads. From there, it was a flurry of activities from in the sport.” discussing pricing details, to brainstorming design variations A big and tough call as he has to undertake at the same time and sourcing for materials. However, we believed the idea was his role as an SP student. Without doubt, it is another challenge sold because it was also a creative platform for children.” having to juggle diving with studies as it means making sacrifices. “I’ve learnt to be really disciplined with my time and make They competed with almost 20 other finalists from Budding entrepreneurs (from left) sacrifices. I’m really thankful that my teachers and friends in SP have been very supportive each time I go away for overseas Shawn Tay, Sheena Gan, Eunice Cho, polytechnics, junior colleges and the ITEs. Besides getting competitions. They help me catch up with my school work every time after I get back,” says Timothy, whose older brother Han Yi Xiu and Lim Jun Hao. medals, the team also won a laptop for their School. Nicholas recently graduated from SP with a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering. We may hear more good news from Timothy as he prepares for two more regional meets – the Fina World Juniors Championships in Australia and the 9th Asian Diving Championships in Dubai. All the way Tim! It was a great harvest at the Crowbar Awards 2012 – the annual platform for young creative minds to showcase their best works and Crowbar Awards learn from their peers. Organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Singapore (4As), the event is a rich hunting ground, for fresh talents and winners are much sought after and quickly hunted down by prospective employers. It is open to all full- time students currently enrolled in any school, or those who graduate Dikir Barat At Its Best within the year 2012. The works must be original and produced solely The SP Teams once again scored an impressive victory at Suara Serumpun year. They were invited to perform at various prestigious events including the by the student. IV 2012, the annual inter-polytechnic Dikir Barat competition. This time round, recent opening of Gardens By The Bay. SP’s design and digital media students plucked 1 Gold, 2 Silvers both the Boys and Girls teams won top honours, in addition to individual prizes. Team leader for the Girls’ Team, Nurul Fatin Osman, a third year student and 2 Bronzes for their entries. The Gold for the Advertising (Direct The Seri Thera (Girls’ Team) won the top placing while the Keturunan from the Diploma in Human Resource Management with Psychology (DHRM), Mail category) was won by a team of 3 final year students (Sng Puthera (Boys’ Team) came in second. The Boys Team also did SP proud by said: “Our strength came from the whole team wanting to redeem our dignity Jiarong, Shina Lee and Chloe Ong) from the Diploma in Visual clinching two individual trophies: Best Awok-Awok and Best Singer, on top of by compensating last year’s defeat! That became our top motivation, be it from Communication and Media Design (DVMD). receiving the 1st Runner-up Awards for Best Lyrics and Best Percussion. The the awok-awok, singers and the percussions. We trained very hard and had a Jiarong and Chloe are currently the Art Director and Designer victory was especially commendable for the Girls’ Team as they did not win any solid two weeks of intensive training to prepare for the competition. Together respectively at The Student Agency, a student-run advertising agency awards last year. with the guidance and support from our instructors from Wahana Deksu, the under the SP Design School. The teams have made a name for themselves since winning the awards last Boys’ Team and the SP Malay Language Society, we did it!” The Silver and Bronze medals were reaped by students from the Diploma in Digital Media. Rachel Choo and Jocelyn Ong took a Silver for their 2D Animation work titled Snatcher while a 3D Animation titled Robot Revolution by Ge Jian Han, Lim Jia Ying and Zhao Meng Lin took the Bronze. The short-film entry Homecoming took two prizes: Silver for Jake Koh for his Soundtrack and Music; and a Bronze to Lim Cheng Yi, Eugene Cheong, Jake Koh, Lenson Sim and Nicholas Lye for the short-film itself. Gold winners at the Crowbar Awards Chloe Ong (left) and Sng Jiarong. Not Winners from the Diploma in Digital Media (from left) Lim Jia in picture: Shina Lee Ying, Ge Jian Han, Lim Cheng Yi and Li Guan Ting. Best in their class: SP’s Dikir Barat boys and girls. 13 SP. News 14 Basking In Stunning Pictures Olympics 2012 How many among the seven billion people on earth can say they have had the greatest sporting experience in their lifetime? SP alumnus Gary Yeo can certainly make this claim. The Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) graduate from the Class of 2007 was a member of the Singapore Team that participated in London Olympics 2012. Gary was a former SP Sports Scholar and was a very active member of the track and field team. He took part in several meets in Singapore and overseas and won numerous medals. At the Inter

School Track and Field Meet in 2006, he Cheng Rui Ting received the won Gold for both the 100m and 200m Award from Mr Lim Swee Say, sprint events. Other events he competed Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and NTUC Secretary-General. in included the Institute Varsity Polytechnic Games and competitions in Hong Kong and Thailand. For three consecutive years, he was awarded the Sports (Honours) Award at the annual SP Award For Excellence Awards. He is now pursuing a business degree at the Singapore Andrew finds passion in commu- Excellent Management University. nicating via photography. Although Gary did not bring home

a medal from the Olympics, he broke Photo courtesy of Singapore Press Holdings. Youth his personal best with a 10.57 seconds timing during the preliminary rounds Andrew Yee, a Diploma in Media and Tanya Communication (DMC) graduate from the Class Volunteerism and clocked 10.69 seconds in the heats for the men’s 100m. At the SEA Games of 2008, has scored a major victory at the 4th in Palembang last year, Gary broke a Wins Big Singapore Young Photographer Award (SPYA) 2012 Just a month before Cheng Rui Ting graduated 10-year medal drought by clinching the organised by City Developments Limited (CDL). from SP, she achieved another feather in her cap. silver. The 23-year-old, who is now an undergraduate The Diploma in Events and Project Management He said after his Olympics run: “It Time at Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and (DEPM) graduate is one of three youths who was good to have come here and done Information at Nanyang Technological University received the EXCEL Award at the second nEbO a personal best. I’ve done my best so Without a doubt, she is definitely one (NTU), was named the Overall Winner for the Spirit of Youth Awards organised by the National there’s nothing to feel bad about.” Upon of Singapore’s most accomplished music Youth Category. Trade Union Congress. his return from London, Gary took the exports. Tanya Chua, a SP alumna, scored Held biennially since 2006, the SYPA - a The award honours young people who have gold in the 100m event at the Singapore a major victory recently by winning for the nationwide photography competition, aims to made significant contributions to the success of Sprinting from SP to London Photo courtesy of Singapore Sports Council. Open Track and Field Championships. third time the Best Female Singer title at the discover and nurture young photographic talents the youth community and its programmes. The Golden Melody Awards held in Taiwan for her between 13 and 25 years old. More than 1,600 EXCEL Award is a top award given out to young latest album Sing It Out Of Love. Dubbed the entries with almost 10,000 prints were received this individuals for being outstanding, committed, Grammy Awards for the Chinese music scene, year for the various categories. leaders who have inspired other members while she is the only singer to have won this three For Andrew, his winning submission included a juggling their many commitments. times since it debuted in 1986. She won the mix of landscape and portraiture that were highly Rui Ting, 20, started out as an intern at nEbO, same award in 2006 and 2008 for her Mandarin commended by the judging panel for its depth a junior recruitment arm of NTUC, in 2010. She albums Amphibian and Goodbye and Hello in composition and uniqueness. The self-taught became a member later on and developed a strong respectively. shutterbug picked up photography as a hobby, but interest in volunteer work, after taking part in Tanya graduated from SP with a Diploma later became serious about his craft. To improve, he nEbO’s social care events. An active, mature and in Business Administration (DBA). She counts learned from photographers whom he admired and travelled widely to explore new shooting opportunities. passionate nEbO champion, she is now one of her involvement as a member of the SP He has a particular interest in subjects related to the beauty of nature, people and form because these the main committee members in nEbO’s Care Ambassador Relations Corps (SPARC) as one are aspects that resonate within every human being. “My photographs seek to pursue and represent the community, leading and guiding other youths to of her more memorable moments in SP. true beauty of life in several ways and I hope that my images can touch the hearts of many across the contribute and give back to society. After her win in Taiwan, she came home world,” he said. Rui Ting is now pursuing a degree in Sports to receive the Artistic Excellence Award at For his excellent photographic works, Andrew received S$5,000 and a valuable opportunity to be Science and Management at the Nanyang Gary (extreme right) in action with the world’s best the 17th Composers and Authors Society of mentored by experienced photographers. Technological University. sprinters at the Olympics.

Photo courtesy of Singapore Press Holdings. Singapore Awards. 15 SP. News 16

Triple Dosage Of Three SP Engineering In The Family Alumni Win LKY-STEP Awards Three outstanding SP graduates received the LKY-STEP Awards for Polytechnic Graduates. They are Desmond Thiam and Koh Shi Min who are now pursuing a medical degree at the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; and Tan Keng Hwee who is doing his degree in engineering at the Nanyang Technological University. They were selected based on their outstanding academic results, excellent CCA Activities records and strong leadership Recipients of the LKY-STEP Awards for outstanding polytechnic graduates qualities and potential. The bond-free award comes with a (from left): Desmond Thiam, Koh Shi $3,500 one-time cash award and waiver of tuition fees if they Min and Tan Keng Hwee. are currently not holding any other scholarships. Star Donation Top Students Thanks to the generous donations from companies and organisations, SP students now have even more opportunities to secure scholarships and receive financial aid. In UQ One recent example is a generous second-time donation of $20,000 from Star Controls Their academic excellence continues to shine even after SP. Of Engineering to the School of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering (MAE). Mr the 110 SP graduates now enrolled in University of Queensland Calum Chan, the Business Development Director of the company who presented the (QT), 22 of them recently received the distinguished honour of a cheque, is also a graduate from the School. Dean’s Commendation for High Achievement, receiving an overall The donation will see four MAE students receiving Star Controls Engineering semester Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6 or higher, out of a Scholarships worth $2,500 each. Another $10,000 will be disbursed for book prizes, possible 7. They are pursuing different degree programmes ranging student awards and student support programmes. from engineering to biotechnology to journalism at QT, one of the top five universities in the world. Mr Calum Chan (right), an alumnus from the School of Mechanical and Mckin Wong, who graduated from SP with a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering, presented Chemical Engineering (DCHE) in 2007 and is now pursuing a $20,000 cheque on behalf of his company to the School’s Director Dr journalism at QT, speaks favourably of his Australian experience. Ng Eng Hong. “I didn’t know what to expect from studying in Australia. I’d Twins Ashleyna (left) and Angelina, with heard about the laid-back, chilly, afternoon sip-a-coffee kind of younger sister Faith between them, have clinched scholarships from the RSAF to life that could welcome me when I arrived. When reality hit, those pursue engineering masters’ programmes descriptions actually were true, but by choice. You take charge of in the United States. your studying habits, your lifestyle, all in all, yourself. The change in environment was refreshing nonetheless. As kids, twins Ashleyna and Angelina Foo were fascinated by aircraft- Ashleyna and Angelina are hopeful that more young women will be willing “Journalism taps into my creativity, knocks on my inquisitive related documentaries. One fine day, their dad brought them to the Republic to pursue engineering as a course of study if they have the interest. Says instincts, and takes me through hours and hours spent on of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) career exhibition. They were hooked by what Ashleyna: ‘“Our schools need to challenge and inspire young women to achieve radio, print, and production assignments. To write for National they saw, and decided that they would want a career with the air force. After their fullest potential as engineers. They also need to provide opportunities to Geographic magazine would be an epiphany in itself, with my their ‘O’ levels at Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School, both of them picked SP’s develop them as leaders in order to bring out that confidence that can help them reporting and writings skills much harnessed in university. Of Diploma in Aerospace Electronics (DASE) as their first choice under the then succeed. We need to show that engineering and technology are truly fascinating, course, my journo education is more than just writing, with Joint Polytechnic SAF Diploma Scheme (JPSDS)*. and that they can look forward to a good career.” modern journalists now expected to be proficient in editing videos Fast forward to 2012. The twins have graduated and are gearing up for The twins have a younger sister named Faith who graduated from DASE and various editing software as well.” an exciting journey to the University of York, United Kingdom, where they this year and is now studying in NUS. will pursue a four-year Direct Master’s programme known as the Integrated Masters of Engineering in Avionics. They are fully sponsored by the Singapore *The JPSDS is now known as the MDES Study Award (Diploma) for those Armed Forces under the SAF Academic Scholarship, and are sure glad to who wish to embark on a career as a Military Expert. Details on the range of have this opportunity to further their studies without burdening their family’s scholarships and sponsorship opportunities offered by the RSAF are available at finances too much. www.careers.rsaf.gov.sg 17 SP. News 18

Witnessing the ground-breaking ceremony of the SIT building at SP were (from left) SP Principal Mr Tang Hang Cheong; Mr Tan Chek Ming, Deputy President (Operations), SIT; Prof Ting Seng Kiong, Deputy President (Academic), SIT; Prof Tan Chin Tiong, President, Eco-Friend Award By MEWR The SIT; and Mr Bill Chang, Chairman, SP Board of Governors.

SP Principal Mr Tan Hang Cheong receiving the EcoFriend Award from Ms Grace Fu, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister Biggest for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs. Watch- ing on is Mr Khoo Seow Poh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Policy and Planning Group, SP Principal Mr Tan Hang Cheong has been named as one of the 12 National Environment Agency. SIT winners in the inaugural EcoFriend Award. He received the award from Ms Grace Fu, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs. Mr Building Tan is recognised for being the driving force behind numerous environmental initiatives in SP such as the Car-Free Day, the online carbon footprint calculator The ground was broken to make way for a state- and the Green Buddy Awards. He also formulated a five-year Green Master of-the-art Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) Plan to transform the polytechnic into an eco-friendly and green campus. building at SP. Located at the former tennis courts and The latest award adds to the list of accolades that SP has achieved over adjacent to the Department of Student Development, it the past three years. These include the President’s Award for the Environment is expected to be completed by 2014. (the highest achievement for environmental sustainability in Singapore), the The SIT building will certainly not be just another Southwest Environment and Community Award and the Green Mark Platinum building block. With a total floor area of 3,400 sqm, Award (for InnoVillage). it will be the biggest SIT building among the five Said Mr Tan: “This award is made possible through a team of very polytechnics. The building boasts a grand front entrance dedicated and passionate SP staff who are constantly mapping out new and the upper floors command a priceless view of the As DigiPen’s degree programmes require industry will include a slew of design measures that will meet initiatives in environmental sustainability. And when we roll out these scenic Dover greenery. standard classrooms, studio facilities, along with acting the Green Mark Platinum standards. These include initiatives, the entire SP community is mobilised, from staff to students and The SIT building at SP will host degree programmes and animation studios for game development, are building class rooms with optimum room depth to sometimes our alumni too. We aspire to make the SP campus even greener offered by three prestigious overseas universities – included in the architectural plans. achieve ideal daylight and the generous introduction in the years to come and also work with our partners such as the secondary Technical University of Munich (TUM), University of In line with SP’s quest in using sustainable of naturally ventilated study areas. schools, to develop and implement green projects.” Glasgow (UOG) and Digipen Institute of Technology. resources within the campus, the SIT building design

SP Principal Mr Tan Hang Cheong (extreme right) receiving the cheque from the Keppel Care Foundation, witnessed by (from left) Mr Choo Chiau Beng, CEO of Keppel Corporation; Dr Lee Boon Yang, Chairman of Keppel Corporation; former President of Singapore Running In A Bunch Mr S R Nathan; and Mrs Alice Chua.

Once again SP staff, students and Alumni gathered in force to participate in the SAFRA Bay Run and the Army Half Marathon held last month. The event attracted more than 70,000 participants this year, with almost 500 from the SP community (comprising staff, students and alumni). Decked in Team SP tees sponsored by the Alumni Relations Office, the SP Art for the commu- team took the top position in the Schools Challenge nity – a SP student volunteer painting a for the second year in a row, clocking a total running new artwork for a pre- distance of 7,661 kilometres! school in Boon Lay. Dr Carlos Acosta, a lecturer from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering who took on the competitive 21 km run, said: “Running is a great More Scholarships Adding Cheers sport and taking part in such events helps people with common interests to exercise together. That gives you From Keppel an additional motivation to continue.” With Colours SP has received a generous cheque of $500,000 from the newly- New colours now adorn the walls of a pre-school at Block 207 in Boon Senior Manager Dennis Sim from the launched Keppel Care Foundation. The money will be channelled into Lay, thanks to a group of about 50 SP students who were roped in under Department of Student Development received the the Chua Chor Teck Memorial Fund that provides scholarships and the Let’s Paint Homes! South West programme. They were led by Marcus School Challenge winner’s trophy on behalf of SP. He financial assistance to students with the desire to work in the maritime Lim, an SP alumnus, heritage painter and active Southwest resident. explained that the initiative to get the SP community industry. The on-going programme aims to strengthen community ties and bring to participate together started as part of the SP With the fresh funds, SP students will not only get to enjoy more cheers to the homes of the elderly and needy residents with meaningful Healthy Lifestyle programme and a collaboration scholarship opportunities, but also see an injection of new programmes paintwork for them to enjoy and appreciate. Senior Minister of State for between DSD, Alumni Relations Office and Human and improvements to existing ones in the advancement of education, Education, and Communications and Information, joined the students in Resource. He added that all three departments found particularly in the strengthening of the marine industry through the painting. this a good opportunity to get students, alumni knowledge-sharing as well as building competencies to better serve this To date, the programme has seen a total of 55 void decks and over 70 and staff involved in keeping fit, though they never sector. rental flats in the district painted by over 1,500 volunteers and community The community of SP runners clinched the intended to win any awards. top prize in the Schools Challenge at the The cheque presentation to SP was held at the launch of the Foundation, stakeholders. SP staff also helped to facilitate and teach arts workshop SAFRA Bay Run 2012. witnessed by the former President of Singapore and Mr S R Nathan. sessions for children under this programme. 19 SP. News 20

A Platinum Garden More Opportunities Let a thousand flowers bloom in SP. It’s no fluke that SP prides itself as a very green campus. Years of deliberate efforts to beautify our campus with For Maritime Students flora and fauna have paid off. SP was recently awarded by NParks the Platinum Thanks to the signing of a Memorandum of Band at the Community in Bloom (CIB) Awards 2012 - the highest accolade Understanding (MoU) between the Singapore given out to organisations and companies for excellence in gardening efforts. Maritime Academy (SMA) at SP and the Dalian Established in 2005, the biennial awards recognise excellence in gardening Maritime University in China, two groups of SMA efforts by community groups in public and private housing estates, educational students had the opportunities to visit the premier institutions and organisations. SP is the only tertiary institution to win the maritime institute in Asia. The memorandum paved award this year. the way for both parties to collaborate in areas such The SP Community Gardens initiative was first mooted in 2008. What as institutional visits, student exchange, joint research started as a pilot garden adopted by the School of Communication, Arts and projects and course development. Social Sciences was gradually extended across all SP schools and departments. Separately, SMA also signed a Strategic To date, there are 11 Community Gardens in SP managed by the SP community. Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding Each garden has its own identity with thematic design and the freedom to plant with Shell Marine Products this year. The co-operation a variety of flowers, herbs, species, vegetables and fruit trees. Through this will see Shell providing internship for SP students while SP Principal Mr Tan Hang Cheong receiving the award from NParks initiative, it is hoped that a a gardening culture can be fostered among all SP the energy giant will use SMA facilities for lubrication Chief Executive Officer, Mr Poon staff and students where they can gather to plant, care and share ideas on how training. Shell products will also be used for SMA Hong Yuen. to provide green areas for all to enjoy. lessons and workshops. In the pipeline is the setting up of a Tribology Centre by Shell Marine Products, SMA Maritime graduates will benefit from and a bearing manufacturing company for research in Making Sense Latest the partnership with Shell. marine lubrication. Out Of Money Technology They all say money makes the world go round. But it can also make you go crazy if money is lost in unwise investment. Help is on the way. The MoneySENSE-Singapore Polytechnic Institute For Game for Financial Literacy was recently set up by SP and MoneySENSE, which is spearheaded by the public-sector Financial Education Steering Committee, to educate the public on money matters. Development This include areas such as basic money management, financial planning and investment know- New how. Students Led by Dr Alex Lum with an experienced team of 11 full-time staff, the Institute aims to provide financial education to as many Singaporeans as possible, especially low-to-middle income Water earners, to make sound financial decisions. It will work with financial industry associations, consumer and investor associations to develop the content for its programmes. For a start, a series of lectures and workshops, provided free of charge, will be conducted in October 2012. Topics in Tech the kick off series include “Making the most of your money”, “Are you borrowing too much” and SP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) “Do I need every type of insurance”. with Unity Technologies, the provider of the Unity multi- Partner Both parties possess strong credentials to meet the Institute’s objectives. SP has been offering the Diploma in Banking and Finance platform engine and development tools for creating 3D video games or other interactive content such as The School of Architecture and (DBF) course since 1988 and with the Built Environment (ABE) signed a that, it has the strong foundation to architectural visualizations or real-time 3D animation. Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) offer financial education. Thousands The company won the Wall Street Journal Technology with AgPlus Technologies Pte Ltd, a of young SP graduates have since Innovation Award in 2010 and one year before that, it was start-up company that specialises in graduated and moved on to pursue named one of the Top 5 Game Companies by Gamasutra’s, water technology. The collaboration successful careers in the banking the leading website for video game development resources. will see both parties conduct joint and financial planning industry. Under the MOU, SP would incorporate Unity as the research projects, test-bedding, MoneySENSE has the experience of primary game engine for students to create and develop commercialisation and production of raising basic financial literacy levels digital games. A Centre of Excellence will also be set up new and novel water solution. Under in Singaporeans for almost ten years to teach the visualisation and simulation capabilities of the MoC, both parties will also explore through large-scale events and media the Unity game engine. The tie-up will expose SP students and secure external funding for research programmes. to the essential tools that will take their game creations For more information on the to the next level. For Unity, the collaboration reinforces and development works. Institute and the programmes its commitment to education in supporting the growth of AgPlus will also support students’ available, visit www.finlit.sg as well as game developers in the region. final-year projects, provide internship its facebook page: www.facebook.com/ The MOU was signed by Mr Lim Peng Hun, SP’s opportunities and sponsor scholarships finlit.sg Deputy Principal of Technology and Industry, and and prizes to ABE students. Dr Alex Lum, Director of the new ABE offers the Diploma in Students learning water MoneySENSE-SP Financial Literacy Institute Unity’s General Manager, John Goodale. Visitors and technology will benefit that will provide financial education to media who witnessed the MOU signing also visited SP’s Environmental Management and from the collaboration with Singaporeans. AgPlus Technologies. Games Resource Centre located at InnoVillage. Water Technology (DEWT). For the latest For the latest SP happenings SP happenings

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 Daniel Chan  Tan Li Yan 3rd Year 2nd Year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Diploma in Hotel and Leisure Facilities Management SP Track and Field Team SP DanceSport Member OCTober 2012

SP CHEERLEADING: NO PAIN NO GAIN ✚ Made in SP: The fastest solar car in Asia ✚ A bountiful scholarship harvest ✚ Heart to serve: SP SIFE, Go Serve and the humanitarian mission ✚ Overseas in Korea, Taiwan and Sarawak.